Brazilian forests cleared

BRASILIA, Brazil, May 20 (UPI) -- The Brazilian space research institute said deforestation in the country increased 400 percent over the course of a year, causing a political stir.

Satellite images depicted deforestation increased from 25,451 acres in March and April in 2010 to 146,533 acres during the same period in 2011, the BBC reports.

Brazilian Environment Minister Izabella Teixeira said the revelation was troubling and announced the government was establishing a special panel to address the findings.

"Our objective is to reduce deforestation by July," she was quoted as saying.

Environmental protectionists argue increased demand for soy and cattle is behind the decision made by farmers to clear more forests from their land. Most of the declines came from the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso, a key soybean-producing region.

Others blame the government for dragging its feet on laws regulating deforestation. Advocates of change said more clearing is needed to stimulate the country's agriculture sector, however.

A forest code in place since 1934 spells out how much land a farmer can clear. Currently, 80 percent of the land in the Amazon region must remain forested.

Source: United Press International (UPI).
Link: http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Energy-Resources/2011/05/20/Brazilian-forests-cleared/UPI-89311305898428/.