Deforestation - the future of the Amazon rainforest
COP 26: a major deal has been struck to halt and reverse deforestation by the end of the decade. Forests absorb vast amounts of the warming gas, Carbon Dioxide.
Protecting the Amazon Rainforest is seen as vital to curbing climate change because of the vast amount of carbon dioxide it absorbs. In Brazil – home to the largest area of rainforest – deforestation has soared to a 12 year high under President Jair Bolsonaro. But, in the first major deal at the COP 26 climate Summit, more than 100 world leaders have promised to end and reverse deforestation by 2030. Brazil is a key signatory. The deal comes with a significant increase in funding – some of which will go towards supporting the many people who live in the Amazon - including in urban area - and who depend on the forest for their livelihoods. But the head of Greenpeace in Brazil, Carolina Pasquali, says the timetable of the action plan is too slow; and that - in effect - it gives a green light to another decade of deforestation. For 5 Minutes On, our International correspondent Orla Guerin heads to Rondonia in the Brazilian Amazon.
