Brazil’s highly respected space research hub, INPE, delivered a shocking revelation on a Wednesday – blatant disregard for environmental protection measures results in skyrocketing carbon emissions in the Amazon forest. The data presented showcases a notable increase in the years 2019 and 2020, largely in contrast to the rates witnessed in the preceding decade.
The INPE’s thorough study, which has been duly published in the esteemed Nature Magazine, divulges regrettable figures. In 2019, the emissions from the world’s largest forest equaled 0.44 billion metric tons, which remarkably surged to 0.52 billion metric tons the following year. A looming comparison with an annual average of 0.24 billion metric tons from the years 2010-2018 lays bare the decline in environmental steadfastness.
Address these startling numbers promptly in order to halt the damage to our breathing towers. Strict adherence to and correct enforcement of environmental conservation guidelines are undoubtedly vital in reversing this worrisome trend.
Researcher Luciana Gatti, the leader of the study, designated deforestation as the main reason behind the substantial rise in environmental predicaments.
Through this observation, we can trace back to 2020, which recorded the highest annual rate of deforestation over the last 12 years, extinguishing 11,088 square kilometers (equivalent to around 2.7 million acres) in the world’s largest rainforest.
Let’s not overlook the radical change in environmental policies and pledges since President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva assumed office earlier this year. With a promise to eradicate deforestation by the year 2030, his vision is a direct challenge to the radical conservative policies of his predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro, who held the presidency from 2019 until 2022. During Bolsonaro’s tenure, steps toward environmental protection were significantly pared down. This issue stands at a stark contrast to President Silva’s future plans.
[sourcelink link=”https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/amazon-forest-carbon-emissions-skyrocketed-under-bolsonaro-study-shows-2023-08-23/”]
