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Deforestation in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil has reached its highest level since 2008, according to the country’s space agency (INPE), reports Mediafax.
A total of 11,088 square kilometers of rainforest was destroyed from August 2019 to July 2020, an increase of 9.5% over the previous year.
Scientists say the Amazon rainforest has suffered losses at an accelerating rate since Jair Bolsonaro took over the country’s presidency in January 2019.
The Brazilian president has encouraged agricultural and mining activities in the largest rainforest in the world.
The Amazon is home to around three million species of plants and animals and one million natives.
The latest figures marked a sharp increase from the 7,536 square km announced by Inpe in 2018, before Bolsonaro was elected.
The new data is preliminary and official statistics are expected to be released early next year.
Brazil had decided to slow deforestation to 3,900 square kilometers per year by 2020.
In addition to encouraging development in the rainforest, President Bolsonaro has also cut funding for federal agencies that have the power to fine and arrest farmers and loggers who break the law.
Bolsonaro has already discussed the data on deforestation with Inpe.
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