Deforestation of Amazon falls

DEFORESTATION of the Amazon forest has fallen to its lowest rate on record, dropping 14% compared to the previous survey period, Brazil’s government said yesterday.

Satellite imaging showed 6,451 square kilometres of the jungle had been cut back between August 2009 and July 2010, an area equivalent to half the size of Lebanon or Jamaica.

That was less than for the corresponding 12-month period a year earlier, but still more than the 5,000 sq km target.

Environment Minister Izabella Teixeira said it showed anti-deforestation measures started six years ago were still working.

Cutting and burning of the Amazon forest is calculated to cause 20% of global carbon dioxide emissions, making Brazil the fourth-biggest greenhouse gas polluter.