Brazil's Amazon Sees Lowest Deforestation in Early 2024 🌿
Great news for our planet, amigos! 🌎 Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon has hit its lowest point in the first two months of the year since 2018. According to a report published by the environmental group Imazon on Monday, only 196 square kilometers were deforested in January and February 2024—a massive 63% drop compared to the same period last year.
That's still around 327 soccer fields disappearing every day, but this significant decline shows that efforts to protect the rainforest are making a difference. 🙌
\"The first two months of 2024 ended with the lowest amount of forest clearing in the last six years,\" Imazon announced. The organization has been monitoring the Amazon via satellite for nearly two decades, keeping a close eye on the \"lungs of the Earth.\"
Challenges Ahead 🚧
Despite the positive trend, there's still work to do. Three states—Amazonas, Mato Grosso, and Roraima—accounted for a whopping 77% of the deforested area in January and February. In Roraima, deforestation has even encroached on Indigenous lands, affecting the Yanomami people, who are already facing a humanitarian crisis due to illegal gold mining. 💔
Lula's Promise 🌱
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's government has pledged to combat deforestation aggressively. 🌳 Deforestation rates soared under former President Jair Bolsonaro, but Lula aims to turn things around. \"The data shows that we still have a great challenge ahead,\" said Larissa Amorim, a researcher with Imazon. \"Achieving the zero deforestation goal promised by 2030 is exceedingly necessary to combat climate change.\"
Why It Matters 💡
The Amazon rainforest is crucial not just for Brazil but for the entire world. It plays a significant role in regulating global climate patterns, and its preservation is vital in the fight against climate change. With these new numbers, there's hope that we can make a real difference.
So let's keep the momentum going! Every step towards protecting our environment counts. 🌍✊
Reference(s):
Brazil Amazon deforestation lowest in Jan.-Feb. period since 2018
cgtn.com
