Ranchers using Agent Orange to deforest the Amazon

[OKIsItJustMe]

http://news.mongabay.com/2011/0706-agent_orange_amazon.html

Ranchers using Agent Orange to deforest the Amazon

mongabay.com
July 06, 2011

180 hectares (450 acres) of rainforest in the Brazilian Amazon were defoliated using Agent Orange, reports IBAMA, Brazil's environmental law enforcement agency.

The affected area, which is south of the city of Canutama and near the Mapinguari Jacareúba / Katawixi indigenous reservation in Rondônia, was first detected by Brazil's deforestation monitoring system. A subsequent helicopter overflight last month by IBAMA revealed thousands of trees largely stripped of their vegetation. Authorities later found nearly four tons of chemicals — 2,4 - D AMINE 72, U46BR, Garlon 480, and mineral oil — along trans-Amazon highway 174. The herbicides would have been enough to defoliate roughly 3,000 ha (7,500 acres) of forest, which would then be cleared for cattle ranching or agriculture.

IBAMA says use of chemical defoliants is a relatively new phenomenon in the region, but represents a troubling development, according to Cicero Furtado, coordinator of the investigation.

…

The news comes as the Brazilian government announced a sharp increase in deforestation over this time last year. Analysts say speculation that Brazil's environmental laws will be weakened under a Forest Code reform bill making its way through Congress, coupled with rising commodity prices, is contributing to the increase in forest clearing.

…

[hatrack]

1. "Represents a troubling development" - YA THINK?!?

:silly:

[ladjf]

2. Another example that shows that the human race is too dumb to

survive. nt

[felix_numinous]

3. And who makes agent orange

Monsanto--the criminally insane bent on destroying the planet.

[Nihil]

5. Their motto: "Who cares about the long-term? We focus on this quarter's profits!"

> Monsanto--the criminally insane bent on destroying the planet.

You've got that right. Unfortunately, they're not the only ones with that mindset.

:grr:

[progressoid]

4. Well shit.