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Do you know what happened to the Amazon in 2021? Do you know what's happening in the Amazon now?
Or do you know what factors led the world's largest tropical forest to its current state?
Well, these and many other questions are the most frequently asked when we talk about the Amazon and its current situation. But do you know the answer to each of them?
Before even answering them, it is of utmost importance that you understand that the Amazon Rainforest is going through a series of situations that put it at risk.
Enjoyed the topic so far? Keep reading! In addition to addressing the most common questions about the Amazon Rainforest, we'll also provide supporting evidence. So, let's get started!
Amazon in 2021
During 2021, the Amazon faced a worrying deforestation situation, with a considerable increase in destruction rates compared to previous years.
Deforestation in the region reached 10,476 km² between August 2020 and July 2021, an increase of more than 40% compared to the previous period.
This alarming increase in deforestation rates has raised national and international concerns about the preservation of the world's largest tropical rainforest.
Furthermore, the Amazon is a vital ecosystem with significant impacts on biodiversity, global climate balance, and the livelihoods of indigenous peoples and local communities that directly depend on the forest.
Amazon deforestation to fall in 2023
In January 2023, the Amazon recorded deforestation of 167 km², a drop of 61% compared to the same period in the previous year, when the deforested area was 430 km².
This decline is considered a positive sign, however, experts recommend caution, as part of the reduction may be related to cloud cover that affects the satellite images used by the DETER system.
The information is released in a context of prioritizing environmental protection at the federal level, with the creation of a national plan to control deforestation in Brazilian biomes and discussions on the possible contribution of countries such as:
- France,
- European Union,
- United Kingdom and USA for the Amazon Fund, paralyzed since 2019.
The reduction in deforestation is an important step; however, experts emphasize the urgency of restructuring the Action Plans for the Prevention and Control of Deforestation and Fires.
And the importance of Brazil resuming its role as an environmental leader on the international stage.
Regarding the location of deforestation, the states of Mato Grosso, Pará and Roraima were the most affected, representing 79% of the total destruction in the Legal Amazon in January 2023.
Among the municipalities, Porto dos Gaúchos, Querência and Tabaporã, located in Mato Grosso, stood out with a deforested area of 33 km².
Factors that put the Amazon at risk
The main causes of deforestation and fires in the Amazon are multifactorial and involve a combination of human pressures and economic activities. Some of the main causes are:
1. Agricultural expansion and burning to clear land:
The demand for land for livestock farming and the cultivation of agricultural products, such as soybeans and palm oil, is emerging as one of the main causes of deforestation in the region.
This deforestation aims to make room for the expansion of pastures and agricultural fields.
Additionally, burning is often used to clear deforested areas and prepare them for agricultural activities.
However, these uncontrolled practices have the potential to spread rapidly, turning into large wildfires.
2. Illegal logging:
Illegal logging in the Amazon represents another significant cause of deforestation.
Illegal loggers enter protected areas and indigenous reserves to exploit valuable timber, ignoring sustainable forest management practices.
This worrying situation of illegal invasions puts the preservation of the forest at risk, resulting in irreversible environmental damage.
It is essential to combat this illegal activity and seek effective measures to protect this important ecosystem.
3.Mining:
Mineral exploration, including the extraction of gold and other minerals, contributes significantly to deforestation.
Furthermore, illegal mining often occurs in protected areas, causing significant damage to the ecosystem.
Finally, it is worth noting that different regions of the Amazon face a varied combination of social, economic, and environmental factors that drive deforestation.
Facing this challenge requires a joint effort with effective government policies and environmental protection actions.
Promoting sustainable practices and raising awareness about the importance of conserving the Amazon for the health of the planet.
The Role of the Indigenous Population in the Preservation of the Amazon
The indigenous population of the Amazon has played a crucial role in preservation and sustainability of the forest over centuries. Indigenous communities not only inhabit the region, but are guardians of biodiversity, possessing vast knowledge of traditional practices for sustainable management of land, natural resources and local fauna.
Many of the indigenous peoples of the Amazon live in harmony with the forest, using resources in a sustainable and promoting the conservation of the species. Furthermore, these communities play an essential role in protection of protected areas and environmental reserves, preventing invasions by illegal loggers, miners and land grabbers.
However, these people face serious threats, such as increased invasions of their lands and lack of government support to defend their rights. demarcation of indigenous lands and the recognition of their cultures are essential to strengthen environmental protection strategies and guarantee the survival of people and the forest.
The Need for Public Policies and International Cooperation
The preservation of the Amazon requires the implementation of robust public policies and internationally coordinated to curb deforestation and illegal activities. In recent years, Brazil has faced challenges in maintaining its commitment to international environmental agreements, which has jeopardized its image of the country as an environmental leader.
One of the biggest obstacles to protecting the Amazon has been the reduced supervision and the decrease in investments in conservation. The creation of more public policies effective to combat illegal deforestation, promotion of sustainable agricultural practices and the valorization of biodiversity are essential to ensure the health of the forest.
Furthermore, the international cooperation is essential to finance and support these actions. The Amazon Fund, for example, which was halted for political reasons, needs to be resumed and expanded, with the support of countries and organizations committed to protecting the global environment. Joint action by the Brazilian government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the international community could be key to ensuring that the Amazon remains a green lung essential for the planet's climatic and ecological balance.
Final considerations
In short, the Amazon faced a worrying increase in deforestation in 2021, raising questions about the preservation of this important ecosystem.
However, in January 2023, there was a 61% drop in deforestation compared to the previous year, bringing some hope.
The main causes of deforestation and fires in the Amazon include agricultural expansion, illegal logging and mining.
Therefore, it is Brazil's duty, as an environmental leader on the international stage, to ensure the conservation of this valuable natural heritage.