Deforestation In The Amazon Rainforests

They are home to millions of animals and are located all over the world. They contain vital medicines and supply the majority of oxygen that is found in the atmosphere. Rainforests are one of the natural wonders of the world. However, they are enticing as they produce lucrative materials, as well as containing large amounts of unclaimed spaces. Many of these temptations are too much for people as about 18 million acres of forest are cut down every year (Rinkesh). Recently, rainforests have encountered more trouble than ever, as people try to exploit the materials found within. Though many may not see the importance of rainforests in lives today, they are essential to the lives of animals existing there, as well as our own. One of the rainforests that is in the most danger is the Amazon Rainforest. Since 1978, more than 750,000 square kilometers has been deforested (Rhett Butler). Though there may be many different reasons, a few are more prevalent than others. Overall, cattle ranching is responsible for about 70% of all deforestation in the Amazon. The next biggest threat is commercial and small agriculture, which represents about 25% of all deforestation, and the remaining 5% is illegal
This area is located in the Southern and Eastern Amazon. The INPE(National Institute for Space Research) is an organization that performs annual assessments of the Amazon clearing, and communicates the results with law enforcement. In their first annual assessment they calculated that in the year 1989 alone, more than 21,000 square kilometers of deforestation had taken place, majority of it being in the “Arc” (Jeff Tollefson). They have also found that since the 20th century, majority of all deforestation has been driven by industrial activity. Illegal loggers and land speculators drive this activity by clearing land to sell to companies or selling illegal