Least rainforest destruction in Brazil in 23 years
December 29, 2011
Amazon deforestation has reached an all-time low in Brazil this year, which shows that preservation efforts are growing more effective. The Amazon region, which covers about 40 percent of South America - in Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana - is the world's largest tropical rainforest, and the globe's health is directly related to the well-being of Amazon, according to the World Wildlife Federation.
The Brazilian government recently reported that approximately 2,400 square miles of tropical rainforests were lost to deforestation in 2011, according to The Huffington Post. This is an 11 percent decline since last year's numbers, and the lowest level that has been recorded in 23 years. However, the good news is not uniform across the board. Some Brazilian regions in the Amazon saw increases in deforestation, such as Rondonia. This state reported that deforestation rates doubled since 2010.
People can make calls to Brazil with international phone cards to get the latest updates about the rainforest and efforts to conserve it. They can also discuss options for supporting the cause with their loved ones, whether they want to donate money to nonprofit preservation groups or want to help out in other ways.