Deforestation Slows in Brazil, But Concerns Persist
Recent data released by the Brazilian government indicates that deforestation has decreased by 23 percent between August 2011 and July 2012. Satellite imagery from Brazil's National Space Research Institute (INPE) showed a decrease in deforestation rates in key states, particularly in Amazonas and Pará in the north of the country. The images indicate that an area of 2,049 square kilometers of forests have been cleared during this period.
"This is a great result, which makes us want to work even harder to tackle illegal deforestation," said Environment Minister Izabella Teixeira. She stressed that data from INPE's DETER (Real Time Detection System) is mainly used to analyze trends in deforestation, explaining that consolidated annual rates are measured by a different system, with preliminary results traditionally announced at the end of each year.
The new data also indicates a marked decrease in deforestation in the critical states of Amazonas (45 percent) and Pará (42 percent) during the same period, while a 218 percent increase was registered in the northern state of Roraima.
"Lasting reduction in deforestation requires more than enforcement and control. This is why the Ministry of Science and Technology is working on a strategy for a new economic model for the Amazon," said Dr. Carlos Nobre, Secretary for Research and Development Policies and Programs at the Ministry of Science and Technology.
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Antonio Pasolini is a Corporate Social Responsibility writer for Justmeans, Antonio Pasolini is a journalist based in Brazil who writes about alternative energy, green living and sustainability. He also edits Energyrefuge.com, a top web destination for news and comment on renewable energy and Elpis.org, a recycled paper bag/magazine distributed from health food stores in London, formerly his hometown for over a decade. He is also a happy herbivore.
