Current Status and Challenges of Deforestation in the Amazon Region - 2020s

Current Status and Challenges of Deforestation in the Amazon Region - 2020s

Even in the 2020s, deforestation in the Amazon rainforest and other tropical forests worldwide remains a serious issue. Particularly in the Amazon region, covering Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia, deforestation is progressing rapidly, with around 10 million hectares of forest lost annually. According to Brazil's National Institute for Space Research (INPE), approximately 13,000 square kilometers of forest were cleared in the Amazon in 2022, a 22% increase compared to the previous year. The primary causes of this deforestation are agricultural development for soybeans and cattle farming, as well as illegal livestock farming.

### Agricultural and Corporate Impacts
Deforestation in the Amazon region is largely driven by agricultural development and corporate activities. In Brazil, cattle farming is a major cause of deforestation, with approximately 25% of the world's beef being produced in this region. Additionally, soybeans grown in the Amazon are exported to China and Europe, where they are used as livestock feed. American multinational companies such as Cargill and Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) are deeply involved in soybean production in the Amazon, making them major drivers of deforestation.

Furthermore, multinational corporations like **Johnson & Johnson** are also involved in the palm oil industry in the Amazon region. Palm oil is widely used in cosmetics and everyday products, and Johnson & Johnson is one of the largest buyers of palm oil globally. While the company has declared its commitment to sustainable palm oil, there have been criticisms of illegal deforestation and unsustainable agricultural development associated with palm oil production. This deforestation is spreading beyond Indonesia and Malaysia to the Amazon region, leading to further loss of forest.

### Environmental and Climate Impact
Tropical forests account for about 30% of the world's CO2 absorption, so continued deforestation accelerates climate change. The Amazon rainforest has previously absorbed around 500 million tons of CO2 annually, but its absorption capacity has significantly decreased due to deforestation. Additionally, the deforested land releases large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere, raising greenhouse gas levels and exacerbating global warming. As a result, the risk of extreme weather events and rising sea levels is increasing.

### Conservation and Restoration Efforts
To halt deforestation in the Amazon rainforest, the Brazilian government, international organizations, and NGOs are working together on conservation activities. For example, in 2020, the Brazilian government launched the "Forest Restoration Program," aiming to restore approximately 12 million hectares of forest by 2030. Furthermore, international environmental NGOs such as WWF (World Wildlife Fund) and Greenpeace have strengthened efforts to monitor illegal logging and work with the Brazilian government and corporations.

In addition, major technology companies such as **Microsoft**, **Amazon**, and **Google** are investing in forest protection in the Amazon. These companies have developed systems using artificial intelligence (AI) and satellite imagery to monitor illegal logging in real time, enabling immediate detection of forest changes. This system helps prevent deforestation by allowing for early detection of illegal activities and legal action.

### Balancing Economy and Environment
To stop deforestation, it is essential to balance economic interests with environmental protection. In Brazil, the government is encouraging companies to adopt sustainable agricultural technologies, aiming to reduce deforestation while ensuring agricultural profits. For example, major agricultural and consumer goods companies like **Cargill** and **Johnson & Johnson** participate in certification programs for sustainable soybean and palm oil production, striving to provide environmentally friendly products to consumers and markets.

Thus, while deforestation in the Amazon region remains a serious issue in the 2020s, conservation efforts and technological innovations are gradually showing signs of improvement. International cooperation and the promotion of sustainable development will continue to be critical.