Illegal Mining News

A new index measures the human impacts on Amazon waters

Based on the best scientific data available, the unprecedented Amazon Water Impact Index draws together monitoring and research data to identify the most vulnerable areas of the Brazilian rainforest. According to the index, 20% of the 11,216 Brazilian Amazon microbasins have an impact considered high, very high or extreme; half of these watersheds are affected by hydroelectric plants.
Composite image. Left: Amazon rainforest - photo credit: Rhett A. Butler. Right: Burning forest in the Brazilian Amazon - image credit: Greenpeace

The year in rainforests 2021

2021 was a year where tropical forests featured more prominently in global headlines than normal thanks to rising recognition of the role they play in addressing climate change and biodiversity…
Composite image. Left: Amazon rainforest - photo credit: Rhett A. Butler. Right: Burning forest in the Brazilian Amazon - image credit: Greenpeace