Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon has fallen sharply “Floods are a risk”: disaster relief workers on the consequences of the dam burst

The region’s deforested area fell by 31 percent in the first five months of the year compared to the same period last year, the South American country’s environment ministry said on Wednesday. In contrast, in the Cerrado, the wet savannas of southeastern Brazil, deforestation has increased by 35 percent compared to the previous year.

Lula began a third term on New Year’s Day. In his previous two terms (2003-2010), the former union leader was not exactly considered an environmental activist. But now he has promised to strengthen environmental and climate protection. The police recently carried out a large-scale operation against illegal gold diggers.

Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock was also on her way to the Amazon on Wednesday to campaign for international support in the fight against deforestation. “We have already paid millions in the past for the Amazon fund. This journey also serves to make millions more available,” said the Green politician on her trip to Latin America in the Brazilian city of Belém in the Amazon region.

The Amazon rainforest is considered a CO2 store and has an important function in the international fight against climate change. During the tenure of right-wing president Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2022), deforestation and slash and burn increased sharply. The ex-military saw the region mainly as untapped economic potential and largely gave farmers and prospectors a free hand when it came to land grabs. He withdrew funds from the controlling authorities or stripped them of their powers. (sda/dpa)