Amazon deforestation rate at its lowest
The Amazon rainforest experienced its lowest deforestation rate on record, which is a significant step in the preservation of the largest rainforest in the world.
The Brazilian government reported that deforestation decreased to about 2,509 square miles (6,500 sq km) for 12 months until July 2010, 14 percent lower from the previous timeframe.
This is the lowest deforestation rate since the series began in the year 1988. The highest rate was 11,235 square miles (29,100 sq km), which the Amazon suffered in the mid-1990s.
The numbers coincide with a global climate conference of the United Nations in Mexico, where Brazil will showcase that it is one of the few major countries that are taking huge steps in reducing its greenhouse gas emissions – which, for Brazil, originates mostly from burning or rotting trees.
“We will honor the pledge we made and we don’t need any favors. We do it because it’s our obligation,” said Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil.
Additionally, Lula criticized industrial nations for failing to have their countries represented in the Cancun summit, signifying their lack of commitment in cutting down greenhouse gas emissions.
“It won’t lead to anything,” Lula said.