Greenpeace study: Cattle Ranching claims 80% of Amazon Deforestation

Greenpeace Brazil has released a report at the World Social Forum in Belém showing that up to 80 percent of deforestation in the Amazon rainforest is due to an increase in raising cattle for human consumption.

Brazil has quickly become the largest exporter of beef in the world, but they are not satisfied with their current market share and plan to increase production. The plan flies in the face of their supposed commitment to tackle climate change. The country is currently the fourth biggest emitter of greenhouse gases, 75% of which stem from deforestation.

Unfortunately, similar as in the United States, the government fully backs the agriculture industry with many politicians firmly in the pockets of agribusiness. They’ve even recently proposed legislation to prevent environmental groups from setting up in the Amazon.

However, with the economy moving how it is, expansion is becoming less and less of an option.


Further reading:
UN’s top climate scientist urges people to combat climate change by eating less meat.


Try going vegetarian in an attempt to help to ease climate warming.

Meat is murder on the environment