Brazil is a main contributor to global warming

In 2012, Brazil hit a landmark. In that year forest loss at 4,000, square kilometers was the lowest since 1988, and a big drop from the 27,423 square kilometers that the country lost in 2004. One of the main concerns of deforestation is the effects it causes to our atmosphere and the role it plays in global warming. Studies from Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais (INPE) say that deforestation from Brazil is responsible for ten percent of greenhouse emissions due to the removal of trees and the critical role they play in the gas exchange process, in which they absorb the emissions that are having a negative effect in climate change. The problem is also made worse by the way in which trees are removed. The majority are burned emitting high amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. In 2005 the burning of the forests in Brazil created widespread health problems to inhabitants across the Amazon region, with many people having to be hospitalized because of smoke inhalation, and also forcing the close of an airport.

The deforestation in Brazil has also made way for the business of logging and cattle, but it’s the latter the leading cause of deforestation. The Brazilian government has blamed cattle for 38 percent of deforestation, but according to Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais (INPE) the figure might be as high as 60 percent. Much of its expansion has taken place in the Amazon, which currently has more than 80 million head of cattle, up from 26.6 million in 1990 and equivalent to more than 85 percent of the total the United States. Today Brazil is the biggest exporter of beef, Most of the beef is destined for U.S market and the fast food restaurant chains. Cattle Ranching is not an environmental investment though. Cattle emit large amounts of methane into the environment, which is 23 times more powerful than carbon dioxide when it comes to the ability to trap heat. The U.S. Food and Agriculture Organization says that livestock is responsible for 18 per cent of the greenhouse gases that cause global warming, more than cars, planes and all other forms of transport put together and that agricultural methane output could increase by 60 percent by 2030.

The release of methane might be very hard to prevent but deforestation can be reduced. According to White House press releases President Obama is committed to preventing further damage by carbon emissions and by deforesting the Amazon. The United States is working closely with the people of Norway on their plan to curb the deforestation and plant new trees In Brazil. Norway Prime Minister Stoltenberg and President Obama are committed to doing whatever it takes to prevent Amazon deforestation and to restore the Amazon Basin to its original state. Also, The United States has been working with Brazil to prevent further deforestation and to enforce rules and regulations in the region. Although, a solution for deforestation is a long way from being a reality.