Expanding agriculture and demand for tropical hardwoods have been two leading causes of deforestation in the Amazon. The pattern of deforestation is affected by the development of transportation networks through the forest to support these activities. This NASA satellite image shows how deforestation has proceeded along roads built into the primeval forest. Once occurring at a rapid rate, Brazil has taken steps to reduce deforestation while maintaining a policy of expanding agriculture.
Brazil Amazon destruction slows
“Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has welcomed new figures showing that the destruction of the Amazon rainforest has decreased by 25%. “
Read article at BBC News
TPE Link – Deforestation in Tropical Forests
Image: Deforestation in Rondonia, Brazil. Courtesy NASA (Source)
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