Amazon Rainforest Loses Area of Germany and France

A recent study has revealed a staggering loss in the Amazon rainforest over the past four decades, equating to an area the size of Germany and France combined. As Professor Michael, head of the Nature-Based Solutions Research Center at the University of Derby, explains, this loss represents a critical 12.5% of the Amazon's total cover. While previous estimates suggested a 177% deforestation rate, the reliability of these new findings marks a significant moment in environmental research. Factors contributing to this destruction include agriculture-driven deforestation and climate change caused by human activity, leading to further degradation of the rainforest. Astonishingly, along with the loss of trees and biodiversity, about 38% of the remaining forest is understood to be in a degraded state. The impact on waterways has been equally disturbing—river dolphins in the area faced dire conditions, evidenced by the discovery of 120 endangered river dolphins deceased due to diminishing river habitats. This alarming trend underscores the interconnectedness of forest health and global ecological stability.