Words by Tess Becker
One of the most important goals for President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, when he took office in January, was to end deforestation in Brazil by 2030.
Now, halfway through 2023 some of his efforts are already yielding results.
Data produced by Brazil's national space research agency, Inpe, indicated that 2,649 square km (1,023 square miles) of rainforest were cleared in the region in the half year, the lowest for the period since 2019. This means that deforestation is down about 34%.
“It's very positive, but we continue to have very high levels of deforestation,” said Daniel Silva, an analyst at the nonprofit WWF-Brasil.
While there is still a lot of work to be done, it is a step in the right direction.
“We are making every effort to ensure that (our anti-deforestation plan) is already in full swing. This is the result of our emergency efforts,” Environment Minister Marina Silva said.
Last month, Brazil’s government unveiled its plans to meet Lula's pledge to eliminate deforestation in the Amazon by 2030, using a long list of measures including strengthened law enforcement against environmental crimes and green economic development.
Charity check-in
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
The Women Invested to Save Earth Fund. This organization helps support underrepresented and underfunded Black, indigenous, and women of color-led organizations across the world. Find out more and support them here.
Florida Bicycle Association. An organization that helps mobilize people and promote greener living and safer biking. Find out more.
Collective Sun. They help nonprofits get outfitted with solar power capabilities. Check them out here.
