Deforestation in Brazilian Amazon fell 68% in April compared with last year
Raw StoryDeforestation in Brazil's Amazon rainforest decreased by 68% this April compared with last year, according to preliminary government data published Friday. Lula has taken important steps toward fulfilling his pledge to halt deforestation by 2030, though Reuters reported that the president "has faced continued challenges since taking office as environmental agency IBAMA grapples with lack of staff," one lingering consequence of his predecessor's funding cuts. Earlier this month, Lula secured "an 80 million-pound contribution from Britain to the Amazon Fund, an initiative aimed at fighting deforestation also backed by Norway, Germany, and the United States," Reuters noted. The Washington Postreported last year that "a bloc of lawmakers with ties to agriculture could try to block Lula's environmental policies and pass legislation to facilitate land-grabbing and illegal mining." "Bolsonaro's party still dominates Congress and will likely continue supporting the cattle industry, which is behind nearly all forest loss in the Brazilian Amazon," the outlet pointed out.