Amazon Deforestation down by 25%

For whatever reason this has happened, surely it is a good thing. Long may it continue.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 18, 2007
Amazon Deforestation Drops 25 Percent, Brazil Says

The pace of deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon fell by 25 percent in arecent 12-month period, according to recently released government figures. 

Even so, some conservation groups claim the decrease is due to lower demand for crops that grow on cleared forest land, and not successful environmental policies. 

Between July 2005 and July 2006, the amount of cleared forest fell to about 5,400 square miles (14,000 square kilometers), as compared to11,681 miles (18,800 kilometers) cut in the same period between 2004 and 2005, according to government figures. (Related: World's Forests Rebounding, Study Suggests [November 13, 2006].)

In his weekly radio address Monday, President Luiz In�cio da Silva said he expected further declines for the 2006 to 2007 period-drops that he said will not crimp economic growth, the Associated Press reported.

"I am plainly convinced that it is possible to grow while preserving theenvironment," da Silva said