Brazil | Common News Update

Dec172021 by adminNo Comments

Brazil wildfires killed an estimated 17 million animals

Science

CENAP-ICMBioAmid the bleakness of 2020, scientists in Brazil concluded a particularly grim conservation study - attempting to count the animals killed by huge wildfires in the Pantanal wetlands. They estimate that as many as 17 million vertebrates - including reptiles, birds and primates - died. Wildfires burned between January and November, destroying 30% of the world's largest tropical wetland.This estimate of the loss is published in the journal Scientific Reports. AFPDr Mariana Napolitano Ferreira, head of science at WWF-Brazil explained that there were 22,000 separate fires recorded during that year. This new research highlights, the researchers say, the importance of preventing such disasters in the future. Body countThe Pantanal does burn naturally, but the 2020 wildfires were "apoc...

Nov212021 by adminNo Comments

Brazil: Amazon sees worst deforestation levels in 15 years

Science

AFPDeforestation in Brazil's Amazon rainforest has hit its highest level in over 15 years, official data shows. A report by Brazil's space research agency (Inpe) found that deforestation increased by 22% in a year. Brazil was among a number of nations who promised to end and reverse deforestation by 2030 during the COP26 climate summit. The Amazon is home to about three million species of plants and animals, and one million indigenous people. It is a vital carbon store that slows down the pace of global warming. According to the latest data, some 13,235 sq km (5110 sq miles) was lost during the 2020-21 period, the highest amount since 2006. Environment Minister Joaquim Leite said the data represents a "challenge" and said: "We have to be more forceful in relation to these crimes." He added...

Apr262021 by adminNo Comments

Brazil cuts environment budget despite climate summit pledge

Science

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro has approved a cut to the environment ministry budget a day after he vowed to boost spending to tackle deforestation.At a US-led climate summit, he promised to double the money reserved for environmental enforcement and to end illegal deforestation by 2030.But the budget signed off on Friday did not include his spending pledge, or additional proposals made by Congress.His government has weakened protections and wants to develop protected areas.Critics say the president's promises on Thursday were linked to a controversial deal Brazil is negotiating with the US to receive financial aid in return for protecting the Amazon, the world's largest rainforest, and other areas.Illegal Amazon rainforest plots sold on FacebookAmazon under threat: Fires, loggers and v...

Apr72021 by adminNo Comments

Covid: Brazil has more than 4,000 deaths in 24 hours for first time

World

EPABrazil has recorded more than 4,000 Covid-related deaths in 24 hours for the first time, as a more contagious variant fuels a surge in cases.Hospitals are overcrowded, with people dying as they wait for treatment in some cities, and the health system is on the brink of collapse in many areas. The country's total death toll is now almost 337,000, second only to the US.But President Jair Bolsonaro continues to oppose any lockdown measures to curb the outbreak.He argues that the damage to the economy would be worse than the effects of the virus itself, and has tried to reverse some of the restrictions imposed by local authorities in the courts. Covid vaccines: How fast is worldwide progress?What is the Brazil variant and do vaccines work against it?Political crisis and Covid surge rock Bra...

Mar102021 by adminNo Comments

Covid: Brazil experts issue warning as hospitals ‘close to collapse’

World

ReutersHealth systems in most of Brazil's largest cities are close to collapse due to Covid-19 cases, the country's leading health institute warns. More than 80% of intensive care unit beds are occupied in the capitals of 25 of Brazil's 27 states, Fiocruz said.Experts warn that the highly contagious variant in Brazil may have knock-on effects in the region and beyond."Brazil is a threat to humanity," Fiocruz epidemiologist Jesem Orellana told the AFP news agency.The country has recorded more than 266,000 deaths and 11 million cases since the pandemic began. It has the second highest number of deaths in the world after the US and the third highest number of confirmed cases. Despite this, President Jair Bolsonaro has consistently opposed quarantine measures and expert advice on fighting coro...