Science and Technology Science and Technology
Thu, November 28, 2024
Wed, November 27, 2024

Deforestation is costing Brazilian farmers millions


Published on 2024-11-27 14:22:12 - Tim Hastings, N@N
  Print publication without navigation

  • Preventing further deforestation in Brazil's southern Amazon could slow the trend. If clear-cutting continues apace, farmers of all stripes (including cattle ranchers) are expected to face even harsher conditions. One estimate says that by 2050 they will be losing up to $1bn a year.

The article from *The Economist* discusses how deforestation in Brazil is leading to significant financial losses for farmers. Despite the common belief that clearing land for agriculture is beneficial, research indicates that deforestation is reducing agricultural productivity. The loss of forest cover disrupts local climate patterns, leading to less rainfall and more extreme weather conditions, which negatively impact crop yields. Additionally, the degradation of soil quality due to deforestation means that farmers are facing higher costs for fertilizers and other inputs, while also dealing with lower output. The article highlights that these economic drawbacks are becoming increasingly evident, with some farmers now recognizing the long-term benefits of maintaining forest cover for sustainable agriculture. This shift in perspective is supported by studies showing that farms near preserved forests tend to perform better economically.

Read the Full The Economist Article at [ https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2024/11/27/deforestation-is-costing-brazilian-farmers-millions ]
Contributing Sources