The Amazon rainforest in Brazil was once one of the largest tropical rainforests on Earth, but with continued deforestation and environmental changes, it is gradually becoming a major source of carbon emissions, which has a profound impact on the global climate. According to data, more than 700,000 square kilometers of Amazon rainforest have been destroyed since 1970, a figure equivalent to the area of Switzerland.
In 2001, the Amazon rainforest covered an area of approximately 5.4 million square kilometers, which is only 87% of its original area.
In the past two decades, the deforestation area in the Amazon has reached 300,000 square kilometers. This rate not only harms the ecology, but also causes serious economic losses, which are estimated to reach US$317 billion per year. These losses are approximately seven times greater than the commodities produced by logging.
Historical BackgroundThe Amazon's deforestation problem is not limited to recent years. As early as the 16th century, Brazil's Atalanta forest was destroyed by continued urban development and agricultural production. The vision of the current Argentine President João Guatemala is to make the Amazon part of human civilization history through rational development.
He once declared: "Amazon will no longer be just a simple chapter in the world."
However, after the 1960s, the Amazon ecosystem began to suffer significant damage as farmers entered the rainforest to open up farmland. These farmers use the "burn farming" method, and although they can get a good harvest in the early stage, as the soil quality deteriorates, the farmers have to turn to cutting down more forest land to make a living.
Economic growth patterns are a key factor driving deforestation in the Amazon. Land accumulation in Brazil, based on commodity exports, has been a major driver of deforestation in the Amazon, with cattle grazing, mining and soy production all to blame.
According to reports, 70% of the deforested land is used for livestock grazing.
In addition to the conflict between small farmers and large landowners, the Brazilian government has provided massive support to agriculture, which has led to the construction of a lot of infrastructure. However, this infrastructure has also led to greater deforestation. Important road construction, such as the opening of the Terrassa-Amazonas Highway, attracted large numbers of immigrants from the interior, which in turn caused large-scale ecological damage.
Impact of soybean productionBrazil is the world's second-largest soybean producer, an industry that has created huge economic benefits for farmers but has also driven deforestation. Industry experts point out that soil suitable for farming can only remain productive for a few years after being cleared, and eventually it will need to be cut down again.
Although legal logging activities in Brazil are relatively controlled, illegal logging remains a serious problem. It is estimated that up to 80% of logging is illegal, and this activity places further pressure on the environment.
Climate change is exacerbating fires, particularly in the Pantanal region. Experts predict that if the climate challenges facing the Amazon are not improved immediately, the entire ecosystem could suffer an irreversible collapse.
Against the backdrop of growing global concern over climate and biodiversity, dialogue between the Brazilian government and environmentalists remains vital. Although certain policies in the past have reduced deforestation, the future of the Amazon remains challenging as the demands of economic development increase.
Scientists warn that if deforestation in the Amazon reaches 20 to 25 percent, it could trigger the collapse of the ecosystem.
In this situation, can Brazil find a way to balance development and environmental protection to protect the mysterious Amazon forest?