Deforestation in Brazil ’s Amazon rainforest rose for the fifth consecutive month compared to 2018 in September , with losses 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 90 % from last year . July and August saw over 200 % year - on - year rises . Researchers and environmentalists argue that Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has displaced loggers by slowing development in the Amazon and weakening its environmental status .
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.