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Every minute, an area of the Amazon the size of a football field is cleared. This rainforest, often called the ‘lungs of the Earth,’ produces 16% of the world’s photosynthesized oxygen production and stores massive amounts of carbon. However, due to promising incentives, this beauty of a forest is being heavily taken advantage of by many in Brazil. So, why doesn’t the government step in? Why do they ignore the cries of Brazilian citizens so similar to the cries of birds losing homes in the Amazon? Illegal logging, mining, and agriculture, namely soy and cattle farming, are the key drivers in the downfall of the rainforest. I’m sure you’ve heard of this forest, known for its beautiful ecosystems, colors, and environments. As the biggest forest standing on Earth today, the Amazon, located in South America, is home to 40,000 plant species, 3,000 fish species, 1,300 bird species, 430+ mammal species, and 400+ reptile species. In total, over 3 million species live here, making up for around 10% of all the species in the world today. Furthermore, the Amazon is beautiful. As a rainforest, it's very tropical and contains vibrant colors all over. It’s also home to another striking name: the Amazon River. Its beautiful river systems, ecosystems, colors, and all the traits too long to fit on a list make the Amazon Rainforest one of the most renowned areas on the planet. Not only is it known for its cultural benefits to society, but it also directly benefits us humans too. Not only does it store massive amounts of carbon that go to warm up the Earth and is harming the natural environment we reside in, but it also produces lots of the oxygen present today that we use to breathe. It's a must have.
“The World’s 12 Most Beautiful Rainforests” by Ashley Ray
However, the aforementioned methods of harvesting of the Amazon by locals have spiraled out of control. According to Carlos Nobre, we “are very close to a tipping point - the moment at which the Amazon could transition from a lush, tropical forest into a dry, degraded, open-canopy savanna system.” Clearly, according to professionals, the situation in the Amazon is dire. In fact, deforestation levels reached 11,568 square kilometers in 2022, a 59% increase compared to levels earlier in the century.
Furthermore, several satellite images reveal vast swaths of forest reduced to barren land, with fires and illegal activities continuing unabated. This scary image of the human impact on nature raises questions in many, but not the government.
Amazon Deforestation Patterns - NASA Landsat Image Gallery
The primary drivers of deforestation are agriculture, illegal logging, and mining. Cattle ranching and soy farming account for 80% of deforestation, with Brazil being the world’s largest exporter of beef and soy. Much of this production is linked to global supply chains, feeding demand in Europe, China, and the United States.
Illegal activities, such as gold mining, are also rampant. In 2022, illegal mining in the Yanomami Indigenous territory increased by 54%, devastating the land and contaminating rivers with mercury.
Many of you may ask why this is still going on. Well, let’s ask the Brazilian government. Although recently increasing protections have helped situations in the Amazon, Brazil in 2019 through 2022 under former president Jair Bolsorano saw the worst manipulation of the forest under Bolsorano’s administration. During his presidency, the government cut funding for environmental agencies: the budget for Brazil’s environmental enforcement agency, IBAMA, was slashed by 25%, severely limiting its ability to monitor and combat illegal activities. They also dismantled environmental policies: Bolsonaro revoked key protections, including restrictions on sugarcane farming in the Amazon and Pantanal wetlands. Furthermore, they promoted amnesty for land grabbers: a 2019 law granted amnesty to those who illegally occupied public lands, incentivizing further deforestation. This in itself led to a surge of deforestation and (encouraged) exploitation. Backlash on this threatening policy was expressed from companies like Tecso or Carrefour, and European leaders even threatened to block a major trade deal with South America unless Brazil took stronger action in the Amazon. However, standing against Bolsonaro’s administration were the indigenous peoples of the Amazon. Despite facing violence and intimidation, Indigenous communities have been the Amazon’s most effective guardians. Their territories, which cover 23% of the Amazon, have deforestation rates 2-3 times lower than non-protected areas. However, under Bolsonaro, these communities came under unprecedented attack. Land invasions surged: Illegal miners, loggers, and land grabbers invaded Indigenous territories, destroying forests and contaminating rivers with mercury. Violence escalated: In 2022, 176 Indigenous people were killed in land conflicts, with many more facing threats and harassment.
“Triumph and Turmoil: The Xokleng Case and the Future of Indigenous Land Rights in Brazil” - Kiya Amos-Flom
Indigenous leaders like Sonia Guajajara have been vocal in their resistance: “In the Flames, They See Money.” Indigenous communities have organized to defend their lands through protests, legal battles, and international advocacy. In 2021, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Xokleng people, setting a
Precedent for indigenous land rights.
This resembles the importance
and the struggle of these soldiers of nature.
It’s a hard cause to fight for, especially
against the ones meant to fight with you.
Meanwhile, leaders like Raoni Metuktire have taken their message global, urging world leaders to take action.
Despite these efforts, challenges remain. Under President Lula, deforestation rates have declined slightly, but enforcement is still weak, and illegal activities persist. Indigenous communities continue to face violence and land invasions, highlighting the need for stronger protections and international support.
It is important to note that under current president Lula of Brazil, steps are being taken. Nevertheless, the fate of the Amazon hangs in the balance. While Brazil’s government has taken steps to address deforestation, much more needs to be done. Stronger enforcement, support for Indigenous communities, and international cooperation are essential to preserving this vital ecosystem. As Carlos Nobre aptly puts it, “The smoke has disappeared from my city, for now, but Brazil’s rainforest has never been in great peril.” Without urgent action, we risk losing it forever.
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