Deforestation in Brazil's Amazon through July hits a fresh record

13/8/2022 6:06

        Deforestation in Brazil's Amazon rainforest reached a record high for the first seven months of the year, preliminary government data showed on Friday, as the region approaches the traditional peak of the annual burning season.
        
        Government satellite data showed 5,474 square kilometers were cleared in the region from January to July, up 7.3% from the same period of last year, equal to an area seven times the size of New York City. Exceeding last year's record, it was the heaviest deforestation for the period.
        
        In July alone, deforestation totaled 1,487 square kilometers, roughly in line with the same month of 2021.
        
        Environmentalists and experts blame President Jair Bolsonaro for rolling back environmental protections, opening room for loggers and ranchers to illegally clear more of the Amazon.