Amazon deforestation in Brazil fell to historic levels
Currently, the decrease is 50%. The goal is to definitively end logging by 2030.
Deforestation in Brazil's Amazon rainforest saw a significant reduction in 2023, falling by half compared to the previous year and reaching its lowest level since 2018, according to government data revealed on Friday. This marks a major victory for President Lula Da Silva in his first year in office.
Lula focused his international reputation on fighting deforestation in the South American country, pledging to end illegal logging by 2030. Under his predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro, destruction in the world's largest rainforest accelerated considerably.
According to preliminary satellite data provided by the space research agency INPE, an area of 5,153 square kilometers in the Amazon was logged in 2023, representing a drop of 49.9 percent compared to 2022.
Although this figure is still considerable, equivalent to more than six times the size of New York City, it highlights the challenges Lula faces in fulfilling his commitment. However, it is the lowest level since 2018, the year before the start of Bolsonaro's mandate.
In December alone, deforestation saw a 23 percent year-on-year decline, reaching 176.8 square kilometers, according to INPE data.
The Environment Ministry attributed these positive results to "decisive" inspection efforts by environmental watchdog Ibama, highlighting a 106 percent increase in the number of infringement notices issued by the agency during the period.
In a statement posted on social media, the ministry said: "This is the first step to achieving the goal of zero deforestation by 2030."
IT MAY INTEREST YOU
The tallest palm tree in the world is in South America: it is the height of a 20-story building
The worlds tallest palm tree stands deep in South America, a giant that challenges the limits of plant life Deep in South America, between the fog and the mountains, hides a giant tree that few know about. Majestic and silent, challenging the world on what plant life can achieve.
Reforestation advances in the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu with new restored hectares
The plan includes the planting of a thousand new trees in the sanctuary, in response to the damage caused by forest fires and environmental threats, with the support of local authorities and representatives of the tourism sector.
Nation reinforces prevention and training against forest fires
The director of the Federal Emergency Agency (AFE), Santiago Hardie, referred to the support that the Nation provides in fighting fires. He argued that the majority of igneous sources respond to human interventions and that, therefore, social awareness is a central tool to reduce environmental, material and human damage.
