(Related Information)
Brazil
The Amazon
rainforest is the largest in the world and covers nearly 70
percent of Brazil. The rainforest produces about 20 percent
of the Earth's oxygen and plays a big role in controlling
the climate of the entire planet. The Amazon also is home to
more species of plants and animals than any other ecosystem
on Earth, 30 percent of the world's total.
About one–fifth of the Amazon has disappeared in the past
three decades. The causes are many: Logging, both legal and
illegal; construction of homes and roads; and agri–business
clearing land to plant crops or graze cattle.
The Brazilian government says the situation is getting
better and that federal police are cracking down on illegal
logging, in particular. But critics say there aren't enough
agents on the ground and that more land needs to be put
under federal protection.
