How much native vegetation has the Amazon lost since 1985?

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The Amazon Has Lost Approximately 74.6 Million Hectares of Native Vegetation Since 1985

Between 1985 and 2020, the Amazon rainforest experienced a significant loss of native vegetation, with an estimated 74.6 million hectares being destroyed. This vast area is comparable in size to the entire nation of Chile. The rate of this destruction is a critical concern for scientists, who are engaged in a race against time to document species before they are lost forever.
Accelerated Deforestation Trends

The destruction of the Amazon's native vegetation has been exacerbated in recent years. Official figures indicate that average annual deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon increased by 75 per cent from 2019, when President Jair Bolsonaro's government took power, compared to the preceding decade. This acceleration is attributed by environmentalists to policies that are seen as actively encouraging deforestation for economic purposes.
Impact on Biodiversity and Scientific Discovery

The loss of native vegetation has profound implications for biodiversity and scientific understanding. It is estimated that a substantial portion of Amazonian plant species, potentially as much as 60 per cent of tree species, remain unknown to science. As areas are deforested, this unique biodiversity is irrevocably destroyed, preventing future discovery and study.
Challenges Facing Scientific Research

Scientific research within the Amazon faces significant challenges, compounded by a perceived climate of "science denialism" and policy decisions impacting research institutions. Funding for scientific research in Brazil has seen substantial cuts, with warnings issued by major scientific societies regarding a reduction of almost 3.0 billion reais in funding for the current year. This reduction in resources hinders the ability of scientists to conduct essential research and gather the necessary information to advocate for conservation efforts.

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How much native vegetation has the Amazon lost since 1985?

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