shrinking amazon - what more do you think can be done?

Brazil's Amazon jungle is bursting with rare plants and animals. As many as 250 species of trees may be growing in one acre. But this unique habitat surrounding the Amazon River is being threatened by deforestation, the loss of trees and native plants. Loggers cut down trees for wood and paper. Farmers clear the land to plant crops or graze cattle.
Brazil is the world's biggest exporter of beef and soy. It also leads the world in the race to turn sugarcane into fuel. But Brazil's booming agriculture industry is bad news for the rain forest.
Recent satellite data shows that deforestation in the Amazon is on the rise, and is moving into new areas. The statistics show that 1,250 square miles an area about the size of Rhode Island were cleared over the last five months of 2007. One government group says the true figure may be closer to 2,700 square miles. "It is very worrying," says Joao Paulo Capobianco of Brazil's Environment Ministry.
Brazilian officials have banned deforestation in the worst-hit areas. Those who ignore the laws will be fined. Many environmentalists approve of the tough new rules, but worry that the government will not be able to enforce the ban.

World Report: April 18, 2008 Vol. #13 Iss. #24 timefk