Deforestation is on the rise in Brazil and the government now faces charges after a study found the rate of deforestation to be three times faster than in 2007. The study, by Brazil’s National Institute for Space Research found a 228% increase in forest destruction in the Amazon in August 2008 compared to one year ago.
A mix of forces are driving the land use change. Upcoming elections in the Amazon region means local mayors often ignore illegal logging, hoping to get votes. Rising food prices are also being blamed.
The Brazilian government’s land and agrarian reform agency, Incra, was accused of being the worst offender, which could fuel arguments that poor farmers are to blame for the destruction of the Amazon. One of Incra’s duties is to distribute land to the poor. The Environment Ministry said it would bring criminal charges against all individuals and companies responsible for deforestation.
Source: Brazilian government faces criminal charges over Amazon deforestation. 30 September 2008. Guardian UK.
Written by: ASB Blog Editor
