Deforestation in Brazil's Amazon surges in April
by Reuters
Friday, 8 May 2020 13:31 GMT
Deforestation of Brazil's portion of the Amazon increased by 64% in April, compared with the same month a year ago
BRASILIA, May 8 (Reuters) - Deforestation in Brazil's Amazon rainforest rose sharply in April, government data showed on Friday, as the country prepares a military deployment to fight a surge in illegal logging.
Destruction in Brazil's portion of the Amazon increased 64% in April, compared with the same month a year ago, according to preliminary satellite data from space research agency INPE.
In the first four months of the year, Amazon deforestation was up 55% from a year ago to 1,202 square kilometers (464 square miles), according to the INPE data.
The Amazon is the world's largest tropical rainforest, and scientists say its preservation is vital to curb global warming because of the vast amount of greenhouse gas that it absorbs.
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