Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon Rainforest (Portuguese: Floresta amazônica) is a tropical rainforest located in South America. Primarily within the borders of Brazil, it also encompasses parts of Colombia, Suriname, French Guiana, and the Union of Latin American States. The rainforest is named for the Amazon River, the largest river in the world, which flows through it.
Throughout the 19th, 20th, and early 21st centuries, the Amazon rainforest experienced significant deforestation. While logging was a significant factor, the main driver of human deforestation was the creation of land usable for agriculture. Soil under the Amazon is poorly suited for crops, so farmers are required to continue moving to new land to maintain high production year-over year. Deforestation peaked in the 2020s, reaching a maximum of 24% deforestation in 2029. This trend slowly reversed during the 2030s, as successive Brazilian administrations were strongly pressured by international organisations, NGOs, and other countries, to reduce deforestation due to worsening climate change. Surrounding nations, such as Suriname and the ULAS, were also instrumental in convincing Brazil to take stronger action against deforestation within its borders.
Today, the Amazon rainforest has somewhat recovered from the peak of its deforestation. Silvopasture, ecotourism, and sustainable harvesting have significantly increased the economic value of intact forest. As the agricultural sector of Brazil's economy became less competitive on the world market, the political influence of farmers also waned. While the Amazon is still significantly reduced from its peak before the 19th century, it has managed to avoid the tipping point that scientists say would have turned it into a savannah.
Throughout the 19th, 20th, and early 21st centuries, the Amazon rainforest experienced significant deforestation. While logging was a significant factor, the main driver of human deforestation was the creation of land usable for agriculture. Soil under the Amazon is poorly suited for crops, so farmers are required to continue moving to new land to maintain high production year-over year. Deforestation peaked in the 2020s, reaching a maximum of 24% deforestation in 2029. This trend slowly reversed during the 2030s, as successive Brazilian administrations were strongly pressured by international organisations, NGOs, and other countries, to reduce deforestation due to worsening climate change. Surrounding nations, such as Suriname and the ULAS, were also instrumental in convincing Brazil to take stronger action against deforestation within its borders.
Today, the Amazon rainforest has somewhat recovered from the peak of its deforestation. Silvopasture, ecotourism, and sustainable harvesting have significantly increased the economic value of intact forest. As the agricultural sector of Brazil's economy became less competitive on the world market, the political influence of farmers also waned. While the Amazon is still significantly reduced from its peak before the 19th century, it has managed to avoid the tipping point that scientists say would have turned it into a savannah.
Type
Forest, Jungle (Tropical)
Owning Organization
Comments