The rate of deforestation in the Amazon rainforest has risen to its highest levels in 11 years. According to the Brazilian government, about 9,762 square kilometers (3,769 square miles) of the rainforest have been lost in 12 months, increasing the rate of destruction by 29.5% since the past year. Brazilian environment minister Ricardo Sales says that the increasing levels of deforestation are due to illegal activities such as cattle grazing, agriculture, wood extraction, trade, and mining in the area. In contrast, a press release from the Climate Observatory, which is a Brazilian network of environmental advocacy organizations, states that it is a “direct result of the strategy implemented by Bolsonaro to dismantle the Ministry of Environment.”Brazil’s President, Jair Bolsonaro, has been criticized for his lack of effort to protect the Amazon, and even preventing the protection of it. During the G7 summit in France, Bolsonaro rejected $20 million in foreign aid to help fight the fires. To read more, click here.
Why do you think the Brazilian President is so reluctant to stop the deforestation of the Amazon?
I think that Bolsonaro has motive to let the fires and deforestation continue. If the Amazon is destroyed, it leaves more land for Brazil to use for things like farming. I don't know if I believe that he is trying to dismantle the Ministry of Environment, but I do think it is in his benefit to lose some of the forest.
Do you believe that this is continuing to happen because of “illegal activities” or because of Bolsonaro and the Brazilian government?
I think that both could factor into the continuation of forest deforestation in the Amazon. There is no doubt that people illegally use the forest's resources to their own gain, but that can't account for an almost 30% increase of deforestation in the past 10 years.
Replies
Glad to see you got some comments! Great job and good topic choice!
I think the president is not trying to do anything because he can get land from this, and he probably denies climate change so he doesn't see the negative sides of this. I think it's a bit of both, the Brazilian government is awful considering how bad they are at controlling their people and what they are concerned with, the homicide rate in Brazil is ludicrously high.
I agree that it is possible that Bolsonaro does not believe that climate change is real, or does not want to believe it. He cares more about the immediate consequences of his lack of action, but doesn't realize that this will affect the entire world and climate.
I think that he cares about the forest but not enhough that if he loses some of it, it won't be the end of the world. I think that it has to do with both and I think that it had to deal with more illegal activities then it does with Bolsoanaro and the Brazilian Government.
I agree that Bolsonaro cares at least a little bit about the forests, especially because it offers tourist opportunities. However, I think that he ultimately cares more for the money he could make if the Amazon is destroyed.
I think that the Brazilian President wants more land to be able to develop. If the forest goes down, he will have more room to be able to make into cities and expand his empire. I hope he still cares about the forests, but he may also be trying to lose some of the forest.
Michael, I also hope that he cares about the forest. It is a very complex ecosystem that houses many organisms, some that are endangered. It is also home to some tribes, who will have nowhere to go if the Amazon is destroyed.
I think that is is possible that the Brazilian President is more concerned about money than he is in saving the Amazon. Stoping the deforestation would likely cost him a lot of money so he is reluctant to spend so much. I believe that deforestation is continuing because of illegal activites and because of the government. If the government won't stop the illegal activity, then it will continue and both sides will be contributing to the destruction of the forest.
Justine, I agree that it is possible that the government is contributing to the continuation of deforestation in the Amazon. Even despite all of the financial aid that was offered from around the world, the Brazilian President is still reluctant to accept it, whether it be for pride, money, or ulterior motives.
I think that the Brazilian President is reluctant to stop deforestation because Brazil will make more money in the end if they continue cutting down trees. This makes no sense to me because if we all die due to global warming, it won't matter how much money people have. I think it is possible, but I'm not sure.
-
1
-
2
of 2 Next