– This stuff really gets me. I think if we went back and looked at the last twenty years, we could find an article like this every year or so. “Scientists report Brazilian Rain forest being decimated” And then a short while later, “Brazilian authorities vow to step up protection of the forests”.
– Over and over again, the problem is brought up and action decided on and then … apparently nothing of substance happens and the next year, another report on how the forests (which we all depend upon) are still disappearing.
-Human intelligence is much overrated.
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Brazil has agreed emergency measures to stem deforestation as government figures revealed a sharp increase in the rate of clearances in the Amazon.
The steps were announced after an emergency cabinet meeting chaired by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
The measures include sending extra federal police and environmental agents to stop farmers and cattle ranchers illegally felling any more rain forest.
In the last five months of 2007, 3,235 sq km (1,250 sq miles) were lost.
Environment Minister Marina Silva said environmental agents and police would be deployed around 36 cities and towns where illegal clearing jumped dramatically last year. People or businesses who buy anything produced on the deforested land could face fines, she said.
The plan involves a 25% rise in the police force assigned to the region.
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