Brazil announced today that they will protect a huge chunk of the rainforest. This newly protected portion is about 37 million acres. It will be the biggest rainforest reserve in the world. This will help to preserve important species of plants and animals including the northern bearded saki monkey, the jaguar, the giant anteater, and the giant otter. The area is apparently the home to just less than 20% of the world’s fresh water. Rainforests also do their part in the fight against global warming, by consuming carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.
I am excited about this news, and also relieved that high-tech satellites will be monitoring the area to ensure that the new laws are observed. Unfortunately, three million additional acres were hoped to be included in the new laws, and there was an injunction on that section. Thirty seven million acres is still a very impressive effort on the part of the Brazillian government.
1 comment:
This is great news! The worst part about rain forest deforestation is that the land becomes infertile very quickly afterward, leaving it useless, and encouraging further deforestation. What a waste!
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