Amazon Deforestation Speeds Up Once More
by Sami Grover, Carrboro, NC, USA on 01.26.08
When we recently dared to be optimistic about news that destruction of the Amazon may be slowing down, our commenters were quick to step in an suggest the need for more scepticism about official figures. Sadly, it seems they may have been right. New satellite imagery released by the Brazillian government reveals an unprecedented increase in the rate of deforestation:
"Never before have we detected such a high deforestation rate at this time of year," said Gilberto Câmara, the head of the National Institute for Space Research (Inpe), which is responsible for monitoring the Amazon region. "We had never seen this before in Amazonia."
And the biggest culprit in this sudden jump in logging? It seems it is the same-old villain - cattle ranching and soy farming (for cattle feed). So while all of us can do our bit by purchasing only FSC certified wood products, we would also do well to green our meals by adopting a low meat, no meat, or good meat diet. ::The Guardian::via site visit::
So we're destroying countless unique species of flora and fauna; destroying the lungs of the world; chucking out huge amounts of CO2 in the process...
and it's all for the love of beefburgers.
We're destroying our planet for beefburgers!
Please, can someone organise a no-beef week to highlight this...
I think that thev Brazilian government's plan is good, but I am not sure how well it can fight the economic incentives that drives the massive deforestation we see now. I think that another step to be taken is to give a counter-incentive to keep these trees alive. If local governments and municipalities will be paid to protect these trees, then they have an economic value as live trees. If this value will be high enough, then it will be worthwhile to keep them alive.
I think the measures should be based on the stick and the carrot both and not only rely on the stick. Give local communities the carrot and I promise you that you will see deforestation figures decrease again.
I also think it shouldn't be the sole responsibility of the Brazilian government to take care of it. The Brazilian rain forest is called "the lungs of the world" for its ability to consume greenhouse gases and produce oxygen, and hence I believe the world should chip in.
Just last week I wrote on our blog on Norway's announcement on its willingness to contribute about $500 million a year to projects aimed at protecting forests in developing countries. I think this kind of funding (and of course other countries should contribute as well) can make some good in Brazil and help Lula protect this precious natural resource.
Raz Godelnik
Eco-Libris
www.ecolibris.net
Responding to Weee, who asks for a no-beef week to highlight rain forest destruction. There is a Veggie Challenge week. Go meat-free for a week and receive a helpful email for seven days. Chance to win prizes too.
I couldn't eagree more. Save the planet. Suck a D
Well I'm doing my bit here, since going veggie in 1991 I have not had a single bite of a single beefburger.... and proud!