Close
Search
Menu Menu

Brazil’s Amazon deforestation fell by 68% in April under Lula da Silva

Credit: Thred
By
London, UK
2 energy + Add Energy
What is energy?
Want to show your appreciation? Give an article “Energy” and it will help us know what you like.
0 comments
0 comments

Taking the reins from Jair Bolsonaro in January, Lula da Silva has thus far honoured his pledge to tackle Brazil’s astronomical deforestation problem. In April, the rate of such activity was down 68% on the previous year.

In the run-up to Brazil’s elections last October, several ecological experts suggested the future of the Amazon rainforest relied solely on who would become president.

Jair Bolsonaro’s contentious stint of three years had brought deforestation rates to 15-year highs when Lula da Silva returned to the hot seat for a third time.

Stepping into his predecessor’s legacy of pro-gun policies, anti-LGBTQ+ bills, lax COVID-19 measures, and anti-environmental laws, the 77-year-old instantly promised two things: a return to democracy, and a pathway to ‘zero deforestation.’

Despite da Silva’s instant reactivation of the Amazon Fund, intended to raise donations and investment for the preservation of the rainforest, and instatement of a fresh civil society council on ecological matters, deforestation data in his early months made for grim reading and reflected the difficulty of the task at hand.

Government satellites showed that the nefarious practice was up 68% on the previous year in January – which, alarmingly, represented the highest monthly total since records began.

Da Silva assured that he had expected a hike in criminal activity throughout the rain season as a sort of retaliation against national crackdowns, but that the side of justice would ultimately prevail.

Having successfully put a huge dent in deforestation during his first tenure, da Silva’s newest efforts may already be bearing fruit as we approach summer 2023.

Deforestation in the month of April was reportedly down 68% on last year’s figures. While 1,026 square km was cleared previously – an area larger than Berlin – just 328.71 square km were destroyed in this year’s recordings. That is well below the monthly historical average of 466 square km.

Between January and April 2023, 1,173 square km of land was uprooted, denoting more than a 40% overall drop on the 1,968 square km in the same period of 2022.

Those with a bright outlook will suggest that da Silva’s military campaign to protect indigenous lands and prevent illegal mining is beginning to work already, but we need to see continued progress in the coming months before such optimism can be justified.

As he strives for an end to all illegal logging by 2030, eyes are peeled for the typically rampant period of criminal activity between July and September. That’s not to say that national authorities should be cleared of any and all wrongdoing, however.

Major infrastructure projects in the Amazon are threatening to derail progress in much the same way, including the Ferrograo railway build for transport gains, and the restoration of an abandoned highway running through ‘protected’ parts of the rainforest.

On a positive note, Brazil’s environment regulator blocked an oil drilling initiative near the mouth of the Amazon River just yesterday, though a contentious renewal for a gigantic hydroelectric dam, the Belo Monte, remains a real possibility.

We should, of course, celebrate the milestone achieved in April as it could be indicative of a real turning point. Nevertheless, only time will tell if da Silva is quite as serious about ecological preservation as he sounds.

Senior Writer London, UK

I’m Jamie (He/Him), the Deputy Editor and a Senior Writer at Thred. Keeping up with social media updates and revolutionary technology is my forte, but when away from my keyboard, you’ll probably find me wrapped around a large Tango ice blast at the latest mediocre horror flick. Follow me on Twitter, LinkedIn and drop me some ideas/feedback via email.

Popular

Keep up with thred by signing up to our planet-positive newsletter!

More from thred.

India’s electoral landscape is marred by political interference
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
People

India’s electoral landscape is marred by political interference

In India, where democracy is touted as the bedrock of its governance, recent revelations surrounding the fate of opposition leaders facing corruption charges paint a concerning picture. A comprehensive investigation by The Indian Express has uncovered a troubling pattern - a staggering 23 out of 25 key opposition politicians who faced action from central agencies were let off the hook after joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) or its...

By Bhubaneswar, India
Devastating floods continue to devastate Tanzania
Credit: Thred
Planet

Devastating floods continue to devastate Tanzania

Tanzania is grappling with ongoing floods that have claimed lives and left thousands of people affected across the country. Triggered by heavy rainfall, the floods have wreaked havoc causing extensive damage to infrastructure and livelihoods. In the last two weeks, the ongoing floods have been catastrophic, with official reports indicating a death toll of 58 people and affecting over 120,000 across the country. Heavy rainfall, swollen rivers, and inadequate infrastructure have...

By Nairobi, Kenya
Lloyd Martin to become youngest Down’s syndrome marathon runner
Credit: Unsplash
People

Lloyd Martin to become youngest Down’s syndrome marathon runner

The 19-year-old will attempt a world record at the London Marathon this April, with his mum by his side. Lloyd Martin has wanted to run a marathon for years, according to his mum Ceri Hooper. Hooper has run many marathons herself, running London four times and even completing the race in the prestigious Boston and Chicago routes. Lloyd, her 19 year old son, has always cheered her on from the sidelines....

By Brighton, UK
Cambodia’s reefs thrive as rest of the world’s corals bleach
Credit: Unsplash
Planet

Cambodia’s reefs thrive as rest of the world’s corals bleach

Marine biologists have just announced the fourth planet-wide coral bleaching event. Despite this devastating news, scientists are pleased to witness reefs off the coast of Cambodia thriving in warmer waters. Coral reefs are often considered one of nature’s most magnificent creations. They are colourful ecosystems bustling with life, leading them to be dubbed the ‘rainforests of the sea’. Despite offering a habitat, feeding ground, and breeding space for one-quarter of...

By London, UK
Accessibility