The Brazilian government has released new figures indicating that almost one-fifth of the Amazon rainforest has been chopped down. In the 12 months to August 2004, 26,000 square kilometres of forest were cut down, 6% more than in the previous year. Environmentalists are concerned that the Amazon will turn into a polluter of greenhouse gases such carbon dioxide, as the forest shrinks and its absorbing properties are reduced and increasing numbers of felled trees are burned.

From Green Left Weekly, May 25, 2005.
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