Since 1965, a Forrest Code has protected the Amazon Rainforest. Simply put, this law enforces landowners to keep 35-80% of their
land covered in native species. In 2012 a revised Forest Code was passed, which
reversed years of progress to protect and sustain the land, even though deforestation
has lowered significantly since the implementation of the forest code. As of
February 28, 2018, Brazilian lawmakers have decided to uphold changes made in
2012 that cut protection of the Amazon Rainforest.
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| This graph shows the recent record of deforestation. It was at an all time low in 2011, just before the revised Forest Code was passed. (Taken from Mongabay.com) |
The revision of the Forest Code came about by those who push
an agricultural agenda. Under this revision, there is lessened forest
protection, more government and state control, farmers are allowed to cultivate
land that is vulnerable to erosion, and will alleviate landholders from legal
penalties who have previously illegally deforested in the past. Additionally, those
who previously logged the area no longer have to replant the vegetation they
would have had to under the original law. People are saying that, since the Brazilian
government is upholding these changes to the law, they are essentially encouraging
illegal deforestation and destruction of the forest. The repercussions of deforesting
the Amazon could be devastating. The Amazon Rainforest is the largest on the
planet, spreading 2.1 million square miles into 9 different countries. It is
home to thousands of native plants, unique animals, and millions of insects.
Not only that, but it also produces about 20% of the world’s oxygen supply.
Without this forest, animals would lose their homes, endangered plant would be
lost, there would be less oxygen available, and we would be facing rapid global
warming.
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| This is what the beautiful Amazon Rainforest should look like, green, leafy, and prosperous, in all locations. (image borrowed from google) |
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| Cattle casually graze the land, as the forest smolders in the background. (borrowed from greenpeace USA) |
Historically, as well as currently, agriculture and ranching
has been very important to Brazil’s culture and economy. The country’s most significant
agricultural products include coffee, soybean, beef, corn, sugarcane, and cocoa.
In 2016, Agriculture alone accounted for 5.45% of Brazil’s Gross Domestic
Profit. Because beef is of high importance, the large amount of resources such
as water, land, and food, which cattle farmers need, is also of high
importance. Farmers, then, do whatever it takes, including deforesting, to feed
their cattle so they can in turn feed their families (subsistence farming), or make
a living (commercial farming). One reason Brazil minimized the restrictions of
the original forest code is to improve the agricultural sector of their economy.
Farmers will be able to work more land and raise more cattle, which will
hopefully produce more income for the country.
This news makes me sad. Deforestation could negatively
impact every living being, as well as affect our planet. The Amazon accounts
for half of the world’s total rainforests, produces a significant amount of the
oxygen we breathe, and is responsible for housing many of our plants, animals, and
some native tribes. If too much of the forest is eliminated, our world would be
put in a dangerous place. I hope the citizens of Brazil continue to care for
and maintain their land, even though they no longer have as strict of laws protecting
it.
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| The Amazon accounts for half of the world's remaining rainforests. Without it, we will be facing a dangerous future. (borrowed from Scholastic) |
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/01/brazil-amazon-protection-laws-invite-deforestation-ngo
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