The Amazon - TRF

• Largest rainforest on Earth- covers around 8million km2
• almost 18 million Ha lost between 2001-2012
• average lost per year: 1.4million
• Causes of deforestation:

  65-70% cattle ranching

  5-10% other commercial farming

  20-25% subsistence farming

  2-3% commercial logging

  1-2% other areas (eg road building, mineral extraction, energy development)
• Commercial farming - forest cleared for cattle ranching or huge plantations


  in Brazil - 200mil cattle on 450,000 km2 of pasture

  soy- 250,000 km2 used
• Road Building

  4000km Trans-Amazonian Highway connects Brazil to Peru, Columbia and Ecuador
• Mineral Extraction


  gold, iron ore, copper mined and exported to boost countries development

  largest mine in Carajas mountains- Brazil, 3000 workers work 24hrs/day
• Energy Development


  hydroelectric dams flood areas of forest

  Balbina Dam flooded 2400km2