Deforestation in the Amazon has increased by large amounts within the last four months alone. 2,300 square miles have been cut down according to Brazilian scientist Carlos Nobre. Carlos listed another disturbing fact which states that 17% of the Amazon rainforst has already been completely destroyed. This problem has been contributed to by the rise in prices for primary materials which has increased illegal logging, agriculture, and livestock. Road and hydroelectric infrastructure projects have also contributed to this problem. Deforestation is a large contributor (20%) of the global carbon dioxide emissions and with increases in deforestation it seems that this problem will continue to effect our world in a most negative manner.

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