Amazon rainforest: Deforestation in Brazil at six-year low

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The rate of deforestation in Brazil's Amazon has dropped to its lowest in six years, space agency data suggests.

In July of this year, 500 sq km (193 sq miles) of rainforest were cleared in Brazil - 66% less than in July of last year, national space agency Inpe said.

The drop is a welcome boost for the government of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who pledged to end deforestation by 2030 when he took office in January.

Rainforest destruction had surged under his predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro.

The far-right leader promoted mining in indigenous lands in the Amazon and forest clearances soared at the same time as resources to protect the forest were cut.

The Amazon rainforest is a crucial buffer in the global fight against climate change and 60% of it is located in Brazil.

 

• Amazon near environmental tipping point - study
• World leaders promise to end deforestation by 2030

 

Lula came to power promising to halt the damage done during Mr Bolsonaro's four-year term and the figures released by the satellite agency show that things are improving.

 

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