2008 Important for Amazon

Kristopher Hilbert / 2:04 PM / 01.25.08 / Pollution / 2

        In recent years the Amazon rain forest has taken a hit. Though the Amazon has been dealing with forestation for years, the last decade and even the last year has put pressure on 2008 to be the year of change. In the last 40 years about one fifth of the Amazon rain forest has been destroyed. This deforestation causes about 75% of green house gas emissions from Brazil. Some have reported 2007 to be one of the worst years as far as deforestation goes.
        The Brazilian government has been making an effort to combat deforestation and rain forest destruction. New legislation has created fines for buying goods (mostly beef and soy) that were produced on illegally deforested lands. The Brazilian president has also sent federal police and thousands of inspectors throughout the country. This movement towards regulation and protection is evidence for a concern for problems of the loss of the rain forest.
        Greenpeace and other environmentalists are saying that these new regulations are not enough. Though deforestation is down 59% in the last 3 years, there is obviously a concern for a rise again. Many people have made the argument that the lack of illegal and extreme logging is due to the slow economy. The current recession has been blamed for much of the deforestation reduction. Many nations are applauding Brazil’s recent environmental support while others in the global forum are saying it’s not enough.

        So, the rain forest is getting cut down, nothing new. I feel as if more needs to be done. Though Brazil has imposed fines, sanctions, laws and inspections for years, there are still large areas that will never be what they once were. I guess there’s not a really reliable way of knowing why deforestation has been cut in the last few years. I guess we’ll know who’s right if and when the recession is gone.

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