Brazil Amazon deforestation soars (BBC)

[eppur_se_muova]

The Brazilian government has announced a huge rise in the rate of Amazon deforestation, months after celebrating its success in achieving a reduction.

In the last five months of 2007, 3,235 sq km (1,250 sq miles) were lost.

Gilberto Camara, of INPE, an institute that provides satellite imaging of the area, said the rate of loss was unprecedented for the time of year.

Officials say rising commodity prices are encouraging farmers to clear more land to plant crops such as soya.

See map of worst affected areas

The monthly rate of deforestation saw a big rise from 243 sq km (94 sq miles) in August to 948 sq km (366 sq miles) in December.
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more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7206165.stm

[ladjf]

1. More proof that the human race is too stupid and greedy to

survive.

[NNadir]

2. But on the bright side, they have a great ethanol production scheme.

Their cars all run on "renewable" energy.

[tom_paine]

3. Yeah. Shoving poor people's food in our gas tanks really shows what we are all about.

n/t