Deforestation in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest rose for the fifth consecutive month compared to 2018 in September, with destruction up 93% in the first nine months of 2019, according to government data. A total of 7,854 sq km was destroyed between January and September according to the country’s space research agency INPE. In September alone, deforestation increased 96% from last year. The Brazilian government’s data on forest cover is based on satellite imagery collected by a network of sensors that measure changes over time. Researchers and environmentalists argue that Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has encouraged loggers by promoting development in the Amazon and weakening its environmental protection.
Deforestation in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest rose for the fifth consecutive month compared to 2018 in September, with destruction up 93% in the first nine months of 2019, according to government data. A total of 7,854 sq km was destroyed between January and September according to the country’s space research agency INPE. In September alone, deforestation increased 96% from last year. July and August saw over 200% year-on-year rises. Researchers and environmentalists argue that Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has encouraged loggers by promoting development in the Amazon and weakening its environmental protection.