80% of Amazon Deforestation Stems from Cattle Ranching
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.
>> See Also: German Government Advisory: Eat Meat Only on Special Occasions
The map of Brazil above shows the concentration of cattle, mostly focused on the Mato Grosso region in the southwest. Greenpeace used a unique technique to prepare this and other maps in the report:
Our Amazon team used specialized techniques to analyze and compare satellite images of vegetation (or lack thereof) on the ground, and data showing the growth of infrastructure, such as roads and agribusiness. It is the first time that these two types of data have been put together in this way. Our maps in the report Amazon cattle footprint, clearly show how much former rainforest is now used for cattle pastures in Mato Grosso.
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.
What can you do? Try going vegetarian, or at least making sure the beef you’re eating comes from cows raised near where you live.
More information about the environmental impact of meat:
- UN’s Top Climate Scientist Urges People to Combat Climate Change by Eating Less Meat
- Meat is murder on the environment
- How poultry producers are ravaging the rural South
While I admit to eating meat, the reality is that this planet cannot, under any circumstances, support the raising of animals for consumption by humans - the effects on the environment are simply too destructive.
And that makes me sad, as I enjoy many animal products, but the evidence is conclusive that such practices are not sustainable in the long run. The destruction of precious rainforest is just one example.
[...] jokes aside, giving up meat is one of the best ways you can help stop the advancement of global warming and air and water pollution. Tags: ad, adage, animal rights, bacon, omaha steaks, peta, [...]
why do vegans always FAIL MISERABLY in science?
This piece of shit survey assumes the land was cleared for cattle because cattle might have been on it at one time.
IGNORANT.
The trees can be cut down for any number of reasons, and you don’t raise cattle in the woods.
DUMBASS.
I for one am more than willing to give up millions of acres of rainforest in exchange for a Wenday’s Extra Value Meal. It’s a sacrifice, but you do what you gotta do.
Lol thetruth, you don’t raise cattle in the woods. You clear the woods so that you can raise cattle.
Besides, global warming? Minnesota’s winter is lasting like 8 months this year! Bring on the heat!
Oh, and “killing the planet” is silly. The planet was fine before we got here, and it’ll be fine long after we’re gone. By “harming the environment”, what we really mean is harming our own ability to survive. Carbon output would definitely go down if humans were suddenly extinct…
This comment sponsored by PETA (People for the Eating of Tasty Animals)
Rainforests are overrated. Aside from making themselves thrive, they don’t actually do much for the planet. Habor interesting species? Big deal. Sink carbon? The ocean is 100x better at it. Control temperature? NOT REALLY!
Seriously, crying over the loss of rainforests is like crying over the loss of your childhood: grow the $%^! up.
I dont think people have to stop eating meat to solve this problem because the forest is also cleared to grow vegetables and other plants. The best thing to do is to find a better way of farming.
is this real 80 %
I think that people should do what they can. Try some veggie burgers. Have some chili with just beans and no beef. You don’t have to cut out animal products altogether to do your part. It is often healthier (no cholesterol, etc) so it benefits you in more than one way! I think that people don’t want to admit that their consumption of animals and animal products (and other activities) can be so harmful (ex. people like Dave) because they are just that selfish. Just get over yourself already.
I am vegan but do not support PETA. I am also open minded to the fact that not all people want to give up meat. I don’t agree with meat eating, but that’s fine - people disagree. What’s important is that people care enough to do what they can and admit that they aren’t perfect. I personally am vegan not because I am extreme, but because I can. I am a poor student, but because I live in an affluent country, I have the choice to eat vegan. If I have the benefit to make small choices that are better for the world, I will.
Rainforests are primarily cut down for cattle and soy. The soy, however, is mostly used to feed cattle. Adopting a diet with less meat is less harmful to the environment, your health, and the animals themselves. Do the research for yourself. People really should stop just saying random things that they have no idea about. For goodness sakes, read a book.
Wouldn’t we have to clear land to grow and harvest fruit and vegetables. Sorry if repetitve. I only read the first few comments.