Agreement on Amazon forests

Forests cover some 15 per cent of the Earth's surface and hold 50 per cent of its animal species. They sequester 15 per cent of the planet's emissions of greenhouse gases and prevent soil erosion. According to the Centre for International Forestry Research, more than 1 billion people depend on forests for food, lodging, medication and fuel. The Amazon forests are the most critical in terms of carbon sequestered and the diversity of plant and animal species.



Meat eating is bad for the environment because deforestation, which accounts for about one-fifth of the world's greenhouse gas emissions, clears land for the meat industry to raise its livestock. In a new agreement the Brazilian government and the nation's three largest meat processors, JBS, Bertin and Marfrig say that from now on they will not buy cattle raised in areas that are currently covered by rainforest.

Lindsey Allen of Greenpeace says, "We haven't saved the Amazon. But we've taken on a really significant driver that was continuing to expand into the Amazon." Brazil's government and an independent agency will enforce the moratorium using satellite photography, aerial observation, and site visits.