Brazil’s National Space Research Institute (INPE) is lying about recent deforestation figures and smearing the country’s reputation, according to the country’s president, Jair Bolsonaro. INPE reported that deforestation between 1 and 15 July 2019 was 95% more than the whole of July 2018. The institute said its data has a 68% accuracy rate, something which has been defended by the Brazilian Academy of Sciences. Scientists have claimed the rate of deforestation has increased since Bolsonaro took office, as he has favoured pro-development policies over conservation schemes. Previous governments had cut the rate of deforestation.
Brazil’s National Space Research Institute (INPE) is lying about recent deforestation figures and smearing the country’s reputation, according to the country’s president, Jair Bolsonaro. INPE reported that deforestation between 1 and 15 July 2019 was 68% more than the whole of July 2018. The institute said its data has a 95% accuracy rate, something which has been defended by the Brazilian Academy of Sciences. Scientists have claimed the rate of deforestation has increased since Bolsonaro took office, as he has favoured pro-development policies over conservation schemes. Previous governments had cut the rate of deforestation.