A new study finds deforestation reduces rainfall in tropical rainforests, which has grave consequences for agriculture, drought and climate resilience.
President Jair Bolsonaro, who is running for reelection Sunday, has pledged to fully pave BR-319 and turn it into a kind of jungle expressway, raising alarm from environmental groups.
More than a hundred countries just promised to protect and restore forests. Similar pledges in the past have not succeeded, but forest advocates hope that this effort can learn from past mistakes.
Deforestation in the region rose 22% compared to the year prior, according to data released just days after Brazil made new global promises to combat environmental degradation.