Environmental experts are sounding alarms as deforestation rates in Brazil's Amazon rainforest climb to unprecedented levels, with a newly passed congressional bill threatening to exacerbate the crisis. The legislation, criticized for relaxing land-use regulations, could open protected areas to commercial exploitation amid global calls for rainforest preservation.
Satellite data from Brazil's National Institute for Space Research shows a 22% year-on-year increase in deforestation alerts, with analysts warning the new policy might accelerate habitat destruction. 'This bill effectively rewards illegal land grabbers while undermining decades of conservation efforts,' said Paulo Cabral, an environmental reporter based in Rio de Janeiro.
The Amazon's role as a critical carbon sink makes its protection vital to global climate goals. Business leaders express concern about potential international backlash affecting agricultural exports, while researchers warn of irreversible biodiversity loss. The development comes as world governments intensify focus on environmental commitments ahead of key climate conferences.
