Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon and Its Environmental Impact - Current Situation in the 2020s

Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon and Its Environmental Impact - Current Situation in the 2020s

As the 2020s progress, deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon rainforest remains a critical issue. Between 2021 and 2023, over 1 million hectares of forest were lost annually. The primary causes of this deforestation include agricultural expansion, cattle ranching, illegal logging, and mining activities. In the Amazon region, vast areas are being cleared for soybean cultivation and beef production, accelerating the rate of deforestation.

The Amazon accounts for about 25% of the world's carbon storage, with its forests estimated to absorb around 2 billion tons of carbon dioxide annually. However, as deforestation continues, this carbon absorption capacity is significantly reduced. Additionally, when forests are destroyed, the carbon stored in them is released into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. In 2022, it was reported that the Amazon region emitted approximately 1.5 billion tons of carbon dioxide annually, further accelerating global climate change.

Moreover, deforestation is causing many species in the Amazon to lose their habitats. The Amazon is the largest biodiversity hotspot on Earth, home to around 3 million species, many of which are endangered and dependent on this region. Large mammals like jaguars and Amazonian manatees are particularly affected, with their habitats shrinking and populations declining due to deforestation.

Furthermore, about 1 million indigenous people living in the Amazon region are severely impacted by deforestation. Their traditional way of life, which relies on the forest, is under threat as logging activities destroy their livelihood. Clashes with illegal loggers have also increased, with reports in 2021 of indigenous leaders being killed.

Addressing this situation requires strengthening forest protection. Although the Brazilian government has expanded protected areas and increased enforcement against illegal logging in the 2020s, illegal activities continue. International support is also crucial, with funding and technical assistance needed to conserve the Amazon as part of global climate change mitigation efforts.