Rainforest Destruction Slows Under Brazil’s New Leader

November 29, 2023 Environment, Politics

Destruction across the Amazon rainforest so far this year has slowed dramatically, down 55.8% from the same period a year ago in a major turnaround for the region vital to curbing climate change, according to an analysis provided to Reuters.

The analysis by the nonprofit Amazon Conservation’s MAAP forest monitoring program offers a first look at 2023 deforestation across the nine Amazon countries. Brazil, Colombia, Peru and Bolivia all showed declining forest loss.

Analysts credit most of the decline to stronger environmental law enforcement in Brazil – home to the majority of the forest – under President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who assumed office on Jan. 1. His predecessor Jair Bolsonaro had advocated clearing rainforest land for mining, ranching and other uses.

Read the full article.

Exclusive: Amazon rainforest destruction slows sharply year to date, report says https://t.co/YguMZSupB7 pic.twitter.com/TEvwkCKRtq

— Reuters (@Reuters) November 28, 2023