Brazil: Cutting Trees for China Threatens Amazon Rain Forest
A commentary by Dan Southerland
2020-04-05
View of the landscape from the BR163 highway, in Brazil's Para state in the Amazon rain forest, Sept. 4, 2019.
AFP
Western media reporting on Brazil recently has focused on President Jair Bolsonaros dismissal of the coronavirus outbreak there as just a little cold.
But what
The Economist magazine called Bolsonaros insouciance regarding threats to Brazils Amazon rain forest may demand equal media attention in the long run.
Brazilian farmers slash-and-burn clearing of parts of the Amazon rain forest for agricultural purposes has become a concern for environmentalists. The farmers plant much of their tree-cleared land with soybeans destined for export to China.
Some farmers are also clearing forest areas for cattle ranching to meet Chinas growing demand for beef.
More:
https://www.rfa.org/english/commentaries/china-amazon-04052020115654.html