The Amazon rainforest is the source of 20% of our global oxygen. In other words, the oxygen the Amazon rainforest produces is 1/5 of the oxygen produced on land via photosynthesis. The Amazon is a vital carbon store that slows down the pace of global warming.
Over the last decade, the Amazon rainforest has suffered major spikes in deforestation, seeing a 12-year high in 2020 of roughly 11,000 square kilometers of destroyed rainforest in that year.
Statistics show that the accelerated loss of forest was caused by the negligence of former Brazilian president, Jair Bolsonaro, and his contribution towards deforestation. He encouraged agriculture and mining activities in the world’s largest rainforest, which dramatically progressed widespread deforestation.
Jair Bolsonaro left office in 2023. Soon after Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva took office, deforestation levels plunged 66%. After regaining power, having been president from 2003 – 2011, Luiz Inácio promised to combat deforestation which was surging under his predecessor.
President Luiz Inácio launched a deforestation campaign called “Operation Maravalha” which is named after a type of sawdust from the Amazon. The operation consists of a series of raids conducted by law enforcement. Over the last few weeks, 5,000 truckloads of timber have been seized. Operation Maravalha targets the major logging companies which will decrease logging activities in the Amazon.
According to ScienceMedia.org, “20 percent of the Amazon rainforest has been destroyed. Scientists warn that we’re dangerously close to the forest’s breaking point: 25 percent deforestation. At that point, the forest risks collapsing in on itself and transitioning to scrubby savannah.”
The destruction of the Amazon rainforest would result in losing a biodiversity hotspot. Its absence would lead to a great increase of carbon in the air and oceans, and the loss of medically and culturally significant species. It would also cause worsened drought and floods in the region.
