Amazon logging speeds up
1/10/08
The Amazon is being deforested more than three times as fast as last year, Brazilian officials say, acknowledging a sharp reversal after three years of decline in the deforestation rate. The Environment Minister, Carlos Minc, said the coming nationwide elections were partly to blame, with mayors turning a blind eye to illegal logging in hopes of gaining votes. Environmentalists blame the global rise in food prices for encouraging soy farmers and ranchers to clear land for crops and grazing.
See: http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/amazon-logging-speeds-up/2008/09/30/1222651084459.html
Tags: Environment, South America