The Brazilian Amazon lost about 580 kilometers of rainforest in April, a record in the last six years since the measurement began to be developed. In addition, according to data from the Amazon Deforestation Detection System in Real Time and which have been released by the National Institute for Space Research (INPE). Thus, the published figures encompass an area 42% times larger than that destroyed a year ago.
These figures represent an increase of 90 kilometers compared to the previous record of April last year (which was around 490 kilometers). Furthermore, this record is the second in a year. In March, nearly 367 kilometers of jungle were devastated. That is, 12% more than that destroyed in March 2020.
Measurement using satellite images
This methodology is based on images and satellites, and is used by INPE to provide advance warnings about areas that are being deforested in the Amazon. In total, 1,566 deforestation warnings were issued in April.
In addition, according to scientists, the amount of devastated vegetation could be greater, because during the month of April 26% of the Amazon was covered with clouds. Therefore, the satellite could not capture images of the forest accurately.
Thus, according to the Climate Observatory network, a network that includes more than 50 organizations in defense of environmental causes in Brazil, there could be more hidden deforestation that will become visible in the coming months when the climate opens up in the jungle.
8,500 kilometers of devastation
Throughout 2020, during the silence of the pandemic, 8,500 kilometers of the Brazilian Amazon were destroyed due to forest fires. A figure that has only been below the 2019 record, when 9,000 square kilometers of trees were cut down in one of the most important jungles on the planet. Therefore, authorities are now focused on eliminating deforestation and illegal timber trade in Brazil by 2030.
