Climate Threat

Threat to the Amazon
Deforestation in the Amazon drops by eleven percent

The rate of deforestation in the Brazilian part of the Amazon has decreased by eleven percent since last summer. This is stated by Brazil's space agency, which follows the development of the rainforest through satellites, according to the AP.

The country's environmental regulatory agency states that the development reflects stronger environmental monitoring. They have carried out just over 9,500 inspections this year, 38 percent more than last year.

The equivalent of SEK 5.7 billion in fines has been handed out in connection with the inspections. In addition, over 4,500 machines and livestock linked to illegal logging have been seized.

Greenpeace: "There is room for improvement"

The fact that deforestation of the Amazon rainforest in Brazil has decreased by eleven percent this year shows what is possible when the entire community works together. This is what Márcio Astrini of the local climate organization Climate Observatory tells AP before handing out a boot.

– While part of the government is delivering solutions, another part is contributing to the problem by approving oil extraction projects in the Amazon River basin.

The message from Brazilian Greenpeace is also twofold. They welcome the news but want to see a system that protects the rainforest regardless of which politician is in power.

– The result is encouraging, but there is still room for improvement, says spokesperson Ana Clis Ferreira.

Hurricane Melissa
Parts of Jamaica cannot be reached – death toll rises

At least 19 people have died in Jamaica as a result of Hurricane Melissa, reports the BBC, citing the country's information minister. Rescue efforts are still underway but some places are difficult to reach.

– There are entire communities that appear to be stranded and areas that appear to have been leveled, says information minister Dana Morris Dixon.

Electricity is still out in large parts of the island and parts have been without water for several days.

“Everyone is just completely disconnected, every tree is across the road, so you can't get far by car, not even a bike,” Trevor Whyte, who lives in the town of White House in Westmoreland, told the BBC.

Satellite images show that almost all the buildings in some Jamaican villages have been destroyed by the hurricane.