Thousands of hectares of state forest appear to have been earmarked for logging illegally. Law enforcement struggles to Police lumberjacks. Watch further to know more.

WON Climate Tracker: Illegal Lumberjacks threaten Australian forests

A wildfire caused by high temperatures and dry and hot winds in central Chile's Nuble region has affected over 741 hectares, authorities reported. Watch further to know more.

WION Climate Tracker: Massive wildfire engulfs Chile's farmlands

France: Wildfire has already ravaged around 1800 hectares of forest land since Monday, forcing the evacuation of residents amid record high temperatures with the mercury levels rising over 39 degrees Celsius in some parts.

France battles blaze in the southwest, about 1800 hectares of forest ravaged

Wildfires require firefighters to make quick decisions. Often in difficult conditions like high winds and lightning. Other challenges include a century of reflexive wildfire suppression and overgrown forests. They have to make decisions like: What time of day is best to battle flames?

Dousing wildfires: How firefighting works

Social media and news websites are abuzz with the Aarey forest, again. The last time, the forest was in news, it was 2019 when the then Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray had relocated the proposed Colaba-Bandra-Seepz Metro Line 3 depot in the area to Kanjurmarg, east of Aarey, a day after assuming power. This move had led to a series of events which ultimately resulted in a stay on the car shed at Kanjurmarg and a cost escalation of roughly over ₹1000 crores on the conservation side.

But with the fall of the Thackerays and the re-entry of the BJP-led government, the ex-CM and the present Deputy CM, Devendra Fadnavis announced the relocation of the metro car shed back to Aarey. This has led to the resurrection of #SaveAarey protests, a citizen-led movement aimed at protecting the 32,000-acre Aarey Colony forests, a sensitive ecology home to various endangered plant and animal species, including leopards and around 27 tribal hamlets.

I was recently in Mumbai and to be frank, I love the city. It has an unforgettable welcoming charm to it. Though I have been living in Delhi-NCR for quite a while now, Mumbai does feel like a dreamy destination. However, I couldn’t help but notice the two things that the city is in a grave shortage of, trees and transportation. Apart from a few areas in the city, the foliage seems like a luxury and so does a safe public transportation system. The city’s traffic is slow and prone to traffic and therefore, the best way to get around it for tourists like me and millions of others is the famed Mumbai Local.

I was hoping to catch a local from Dadar to Chembur at 7:30 in the evening, it was a bad idea. Crowded or congested would be an understatement for the Local in front of me. Passengers clung onto the edges of the train, nearly a foot out of the local’s door, while the station itself was filled to its brim, so much so that people chose to hop on from one station to another on tracks while avoiding the jampacked foot-over bridges. I have been swarmed by a tsunami of people in the Delhi Metro’s Blue line and at Rajiv Chowk during the most crowded hours but nothing beats the colossal overload that Mumbai Local has to face daily.

The Mumbai Local network, by all means, is at the peak of its efficiency. This can be gauged by the fact that though a single 12-car local is authorised to carry 1174 passengers, these trains carry up to 6000 people at a typical peak hour. The Locals have an average waiting time of three minutes and as per Western Railways, the punctuality of the system was over 99% in 2021. However, this consistency just isn’t enough. An RTI in 2015 revealed that over 25,000 people fell out of overcrowded locals since 2005, out of these nearly 7,000 had died following the fall. On average, the city sees around seven to eight deaths due to overcrowded locals daily. And pretty much no one can forget the heart-wrenching stampede at Prabhadevi station in 2017.

Yes, the construction of the metro car shed in Aarey will result in the cutting down of trees and will certainly threaten the sensitive ecology of the area. But in this debate of environment vs development, we also need to think about the lives of millions of passengers on the overcrowded Mumbai Locals that are forced to play with their lives every day just to make ends meet. Dissent and disagreements have been a part of major infrastructure projects worldwide, but is hindering the growth of such projects, the way forward? From the Delhi Metro to the London Underground, and the New York Subway all these systems which today manage to keep thousands, if not millions of cars off the streets were once protested against. As per the Japan International Cooperation Association, the Delhi Metro alone has been able to take 1.2 lakh cars off the Delhi roads, thereby saving 6.3 lakh tonnes of CO2 ­emissions annually. &nbsp;

Our future generations deserve fresh air and a clean environment, they deserve trees and forests but they also deserve safe public transportation. Instead of no development at all, isn’t sustainable development a better way? Saving our environment is our duty as citizens and a metro system is a step exactly towards that goal. We can romanticise the Mumbai Local all we want but in reality, it is crushingly overloaded with the hopes and dreams of nearly 80 lakh Mumbaikars, daily.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

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Social media and news websites are abuzz with the Aarey forest, again. The last time, the forest was in news, it was 2019 when the then Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray had relocated the proposed Colaba-Bandra-Seepz Metro Line 3 depot in the area to Kanjurmarg, east of Aarey, a day after assuming power.

Social media and news websites are abuzz with the Aarey forest, again. The last time, the forest was in news, it was 2019 when the then Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray had relocated the proposed Colaba-Bandra-Seepz Metro Line 3 depot in the area to Kanjurmarg, east of Aarey, a day after assuming power. This move had led to a series of events which ultimately resulted in a stay on the car shed at Kanjurmarg and a cost escalation of roughly over ₹1000 crores on the conservation side. But with the fall of the Thackerays and the re-entry of the BJP-led government, the ex-CM and the present Deputy CM, Devendra Fadnavis announced the relocation of the metro car shed back to Aarey. This has led to the resurrection of #SaveAarey protests, a citizen-led movement aimed at protecting the 32,000-acre Aarey Colony forests, a sensitive ecology home to various endangered plant and animal species, including leopards and around 27 tribal hamlets. I was recently in Mumbai and to be frank, I love the city. It has an unforgettable welcoming charm to it. Though I have been living in Delhi-NCR for quite a while now, Mumbai does feel like a dreamy destination. However, I couldn’t help but notice the two things that the city is in a grave shortage of, trees and transportation. Apart from a few areas in the city, the foliage seems like a luxury and so does a safe public transportation system. The city’s traffic is slow and prone to traffic and therefore, the best way to get around it for tourists like me and millions of others is the famed Mumbai Local. I was hoping to catch a local from Dadar to Chembur at 7:30 in the evening, it was a bad idea. Crowded or congested would be an understatement for the Local in front of me. Passengers clung onto the edges of the train, nearly a foot out of the local’s door, while the station itself was filled to its brim, so much so that people chose to hop on from one station to another on tracks while avoiding the jampacked foot-over bridges. I have been swarmed by a tsunami of people in the Delhi Metro’s Blue line and at Rajiv Chowk during the most crowded hours but nothing beats the colossal overload that Mumbai Local has to face daily. The Mumbai Local network, by all means, is at the peak of its efficiency. This can be gauged by the fact that though a single 12-car local is authorised to carry 1174 passengers, these trains carry up to 6000 people at a typical peak hour. The Locals have an average waiting time of three minutes and as per Western Railways, the punctuality of the system was over 99% in 2021. However, this consistency just isn’t enough. An RTI in 2015 revealed that over 25,000 people fell out of overcrowded locals since 2005, out of these nearly 7,000 had died following the fall. On average, the city sees around seven to eight deaths due to overcrowded locals daily. And pretty much no one can forget the heart-wrenching stampede at Prabhadevi station in 2017. Yes, the construction of the metro car shed in Aarey will result in the cutting down of trees and will certainly threaten the sensitive ecology of the area. But in this debate of environment vs development, we also need to think about the lives of millions of passengers on the overcrowded Mumbai Locals that are forced to play with their lives every day just to make ends meet. Dissent and disagreements have been a part of major infrastructure projects worldwide, but is hindering the growth of such projects, the way forward? From the Delhi Metro to the London Underground, and the New York Subway all these systems which today manage to keep thousands, if not millions of cars off the streets were once protested against. As per the Japan International Cooperation Association, the Delhi Metro alone has been able to take 1.2 lakh cars off the Delhi roads, thereby saving 6.3 lakh tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. Our future generations deserve fresh air and a clean environment, they deserve trees and forests but they also deserve safe public transportation. Instead of no development at all, isn’t sustainable development a better way? Saving our environment is our duty as citizens and a metro system is a step exactly towards that goal. We can romanticise the Mumbai Local all we want but in reality, it is crushingly overloaded with the hopes and dreams of nearly 80 lakh Mumbaikars, daily. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Save Aarey Protests: Yes, Mumbai needs trees but it needs a Metro too

Over 630 hectares of forest ravaged as France battles massive blaze in the north. Nearly 700 firefighters, 12 planes and 12 choppers have been deployed to douse the fire.

WION Climate Tracker: France battles blaze in North Grad, several areas put on read alert

Shows a 290-million-year-old fossil forest that was found in the state of Parana, southern Brazil, by an investigating team. It is a collection of 164 'lycophytes' (without fruits, flowers, or seeds) of an extinct species, the preservation of whose upright orientation over time is rare.

Discovery of a 290-year-old 'rare' forest with extinct variety of trees, found in Brazil

In Pics: 290-million-year-old ‘rare’ forest unearthed in Brazil

In China, scientists have discovered a whole forest within a 630-foot-deep huge sinkhole. The sinkhole is home to a variety of ancient trees and plants, including some that have never been discovered before.

The sinkhole, which is located in Leye County, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, was discovered on May 6 by cave explorers who discovered three cave entrances inside the 1,004-foot-long and 492-foot-wide vacuum.

"I wouldn't be shocked if there are species found in these caves that have never been recognised or described by science till now," expedition leader Chen Lixin said. He went on to say that some of the trees in the forest were nearly 130 feet tall.

According to George Veni, executive director of the National Cave and Karst Research Institute, karst — a terrain that dissolves bedrock and results in sinkholes – can vary considerably depending on where it is found due to variances in geology, climate, and other variables.

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What's that? Oh, just a forest inside a sinkhole in China. <a href="https://t.co/PvWpC38QGP">pic.twitter.com/PvWpC38QGP</a>
— Nine Dragons (@NineDragons2) <a href="https://twitter.com/NineDragons2/status/1524634961525026819?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The disintegration of bedrock creates karst landscapes. Sinkholes form when an underground chamber's roof expands and collapses. Rainwater seeps into the fissures in the bedrock, creating tunnels and voids. China, Mexico, and Papua New Guinea are the countries with the most sinkholes.

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&nbsp;

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In China, scientists have discovered a whole forest within a 630-foot-deep huge sinkhole. The sinkhole is home to a variety of ancient trees and plants, including some that have never been discovered before.

In China, scientists have discovered a whole forest within a 630-foot-deep huge sinkhole. The sinkhole is home to a variety of ancient trees and plants, including some that have never been discovered before. The sinkhole, which is located in Leye County, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, was discovered on May 6 by cave explorers who discovered three cave entrances inside the 1,004-foot-long and 492-foot-wide vacuum. "I wouldn't be shocked if there are species found in these caves that have never been recognised or described by science till now," expedition leader Chen Lixin said. He went on to say that some of the trees in the forest were nearly 130 feet tall. According to George Veni, executive director of the National Cave and Karst Research Institute, karst — a terrain that dissolves bedrock and results in sinkholes – can vary considerably depending on where it is found due to variances in geology, climate, and other variables. What's that? Oh, just a forest inside a sinkhole in China. pic.twitter.com/PvWpC38QGP — Nine Dragons (@NineDragons2) May 12, 2022 × The disintegration of bedrock creates karst landscapes. Sinkholes form when an underground chamber's roof expands and collapses. Rainwater seeps into the fissures in the bedrock, creating tunnels and voids. China, Mexico, and Papua New Guinea are the countries with the most sinkholes. × You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Watch | Enormous sinkhole with ancient forest inside discovered in China

A new giant sinkhole has been found in China, said media reports. What makes this 630-feet-deep (192 meters) sinkhole special is that there is a forest at its end, reported Xinhua news agency, citing a team of Chinese scientists.&nbsp;Three cave entrances were discovered in the chasm when some speleologists and spelunkers went into the sinkhole on last Friday. &nbsp;

Some ancient trees, which were 131 feet (40 m) tall, were also found. The branches of the trees could be seen stretching towards sunlight, which gets filtered through the entrance of the sinkhole.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/major-discovery-iron-age-complex-found-under-house-in-turkey-village-says-study-478004" hreflang="en">Major discovery: Iron Age complex found under house in Turkey village, says study</a>

The sinkhole was found in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. It was located near Ping'e village in Leye county, as per Xinhua. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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Giant sinkhole with a forest inside found in China. The sinkhole is 630 feet (192 meters) deep, according to the Xinhua news agency, deep enough to just swallow St. Louis' Gateway Arch. 🧐Beautifully Eerie! <a href="https://t.co/EXGUvsbecx">pic.twitter.com/EXGUvsbecx</a>
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On the interior, the sinkhole is 1,004 feet (306 m) long and 492 feet (150 m) wide, Zhang Yuanhai, who is a senior engineer with the Institute of Karst Geology, told the news agency. &nbsp;

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So Rock!🧗‍♂️🧗‍♀️ 
Giant karst sinkhole exploration in Leye County, who wants to try the “brave games” and venture down into the deep? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CaveStory?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CaveStory</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/sportsbiz?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#sportsbiz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/naturelovers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#naturelovers</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/adventure?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#adventure</a> <a href="https://t.co/fizXs4pIOB">pic.twitter.com/fizXs4pIOB</a>
— Discover Guangxi China (@DiscoverGuangxi) <a href="https://twitter.com/DiscoverGuangxi/status/1523958523423453185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The cave expedition team was led by Chen Lixin. &nbsp;&nbsp;

On the sinkhole floor, the dense undergrowth was as high as shoulders of a person, Lixin told Xinhua. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Reaching out to the aliens: Astronomers to relay message in space

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"I wouldn't be surprised to know that there are species found in these caves that have never been reported or described by science until now," Lixin added. &nbsp;&nbsp;

This discovery takes the total number of sinkholes found in Leye County till now to 30, Xinhua added. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A new giant sinkhole has been found in China, said media reports. What makes this 630-feet-deep (192 meters) sinkhole special is that there is a forest at its end, reported Xinhua news agency, citing a team of Chinese scientists.

A new giant sinkhole has been found in China, said media reports. What makes this 630-feet-deep (192 meters) sinkhole special is that there is a forest at its end, reported Xinhua news agency, citing a team of Chinese scientists. Three cave entrances were discovered in the chasm when some speleologists and spelunkers went into the sinkhole on last Friday. Some ancient trees, which were 131 feet (40 m) tall, were also found. The branches of the trees could be seen stretching towards sunlight, which gets filtered through the entrance of the sinkhole. Also Read | Major discovery: Iron Age complex found under house in Turkey village, says study The sinkhole was found in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. It was located near Ping'e village in Leye county, as per Xinhua. Giant sinkhole with a forest inside found in China. The sinkhole is 630 feet (192 meters) deep, according to the Xinhua news agency, deep enough to just swallow St. Louis' Gateway Arch. 🧐Beautifully Eerie! pic.twitter.com/EXGUvsbecx — Sumner (@Atimad101) May 12, 2022 × On the interior, the sinkhole is 1,004 feet (306 m) long and 492 feet (150 m) wide, Zhang Yuanhai, who is a senior engineer with the Institute of Karst Geology, told the news agency. So Rock!🧗‍♂️🧗‍♀️ Giant karst sinkhole exploration in Leye County, who wants to try the “brave games” and venture down into the deep? #CaveStory #sportsbiz #naturelovers #adventure pic.twitter.com/fizXs4pIOB — Discover Guangxi China (@DiscoverGuangxi) May 10, 2022 × The cave expedition team was led by Chen Lixin. On the sinkhole floor, the dense undergrowth was as high as shoulders of a person, Lixin told Xinhua. Watch: Reaching out to the aliens: Astronomers to relay message in space "I wouldn't be surprised to know that there are species found in these caves that have never been reported or described by science until now," Lixin added. This discovery takes the total number of sinkholes found in Leye County till now to 30, Xinhua added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies)

Believe it or not: 630-feet-deep sinkhole with forest at its end discovered in China, says report

A forest fire that is said to have started on the intervening night of Thursday and Friday is causing severe damage in the region near Tamil Nadu's popular hill station Kodaikanal.

A forest fire that is said to have started on the intervening night of Thursday and Friday is causing severe damage in the region near Tamil Nadu's popular hill station Kodaikanal. The blaze which is still raging has reduced vast tracts of forest land into charred remains, as evident from videos from the area. Mayilaadum Paarai in the Perumalmalai Forest area and Machur forest area are among the places which have been severely damaged. Vast tracts of forest reduced to ashes in a massive blaze that has been raging since intervening night of Thu-Fri near #kodaikanal hills District offcl told me that 60pc of fire has been brought under control, forest dept is on the job #TamilNadu #forest #fire #nature pic.twitter.com/SJUY51I5Pu — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) March 11, 2022 × Videos from the vicinity show large plumes of smoke distinctly rising above the hill ranges and also some tracts of forest that continue to be ablaze. The forest department rangers and staff are understood to be on-site and tending to the situation. The Revenue division officer told WION that nearly 50-60 per cent of the blaze was brought under control and efforts were underway to control the blaze from spreading further. Also read | Health insurance for transgenders: Spell out all underwriting rules, says IRDAI While forest fires occur naturally under certain conditions during the summer months, it remains to be seen what caused the blaze in this region, which is in the vicinity of a popular tourist hotspot in Tamil Nadu. To prevent such fires from spreading, the forest department often creates a fire line, which is a tract of barren land between two ranges.

India: Forest fire near Tamil Nadu's Kodaikanal causes massive damage, controlling efforts underway

Environmentalists in Kenya are racing against time as powerful developers eye chunks of the green belt. Activists are defending one of the last green spaces in the capital city of Nairobi.

United Nations condemns Kenya's proposal to weaken forest protection

Since the Junta takeover in Myanmar, several pro-democracy protestors have been killed. Civilians in deep forest areas are now learning how to fire weapons and fight in a makeshift camp.

Myanmar: Young civilians prepare to fight military in a makeshift camp in deep forest

Activists in Mexico express rage over the Maya train project that will through a forest. People in Mexico stand divided over the issue.

Activists protest against 'Ecocide'

A peace deal in Colombia has left the Amazon forest facing the impact. The Amazon was one of the strongholds of the rebels but as they retreated it ended up becoming a hub of illicit activities.

Peace pact in Colombia has boded ill for Amazon forest

At the Glasgow summit, the Nepal PM announced that the country would increase the forest cover to 45% of its year by 2030, what does this new target mean for the Himalayan country?

Nepal pledges 45% forestry by 2030

Facebook has said that it will begin clamping down on the illegal sale of protected areas of the Amazon rainforest on its site. The new measures will only apply to conservation areas and not to publicly owned forest land. Also, the move is only limited to Amazon, not any other rainforest.

A recent study from the think tank Ipam (Instituto de Pesquisa Ambental da Amazonia) says that a third of all deforestation happens in publicly-owned forests in the Amazon.

Facebook said that it would not reveal how it planned to find the illegal ads but said it would "seek to identify and block new listings" in protected areas of the Amazon rainforest.

The policy was changed after a BBC investigation into the practice.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amazon-rainforest-will-vanish-by-2064-new-study-predicts-355322">Also read |&nbsp;Amazon rainforest will vanish by 2064, new study predicts</a>

In February, the BBC's&nbsp;documentary 'Selling the Amazon' revealed that plots of the rainforest were being listed on Facebook's classified ads service.

Also, many of these plots were inside protected areas, including national forests and land reserved for indigenous peoples.

To prove that the ads were real, BBC arranged meetings between four sellers and an undercover operative posing as a lawyer. He claimed to represent wealthy investors.

One land-grabber, Alvim Souza Alves, was trying to sell a plot inside the Uru Eu Wau Wau indigenous reserve for about £16,400 in local currency.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-instagram-stop-working-yet-again-twitterati-open-bag-of-memes-419307">Also read |&nbsp;Facebook, Instagram stop working yet again; Twitterati open bag of memes</a>

As a response, Brazil's Supreme Federal Court ordered an inquiry into the sale of protected areas of the Amazon through Facebook.&nbsp;

Facebook has said that it has consulted the UN Environment Programme (Unep) and other organisations to take its "first steps" in trying to address the issue.&nbsp;

BBC quoted Facebook as saying, "We will now review listings on Facebook Marketplace against an international organisation's authoritative database of protected areas to identify listings that may violate this new policy."

Facebook has said that it will begin clamping down on the illegal sale of protected areas of the Amazon rainforest on its site. The new measures will only apply to conservation areas and not to publicly owned forest land.

Facebook has said that it will begin clamping down on the illegal sale of protected areas of the Amazon rainforest on its site. The new measures will only apply to conservation areas and not to publicly owned forest land. Also, the move is only limited to Amazon, not any other rainforest. A recent study from the think tank Ipam (Instituto de Pesquisa Ambental da Amazonia) says that a third of all deforestation happens in publicly-owned forests in the Amazon. Facebook said that it would not reveal how it planned to find the illegal ads but said it would "seek to identify and block new listings" in protected areas of the Amazon rainforest. The policy was changed after a BBC investigation into the practice. Also read | Amazon rainforest will vanish by 2064, new study predicts In February, the BBC's documentary 'Selling the Amazon' revealed that plots of the rainforest were being listed on Facebook's classified ads service. Also, many of these plots were inside protected areas, including national forests and land reserved for indigenous peoples. To prove that the ads were real, BBC arranged meetings between four sellers and an undercover operative posing as a lawyer. He claimed to represent wealthy investors. One land-grabber, Alvim Souza Alves, was trying to sell a plot inside the Uru Eu Wau Wau indigenous reserve for about £16,400 in local currency. Also read | Facebook, Instagram stop working yet again; Twitterati open bag of memes As a response, Brazil's Supreme Federal Court ordered an inquiry into the sale of protected areas of the Amazon through Facebook. Facebook has said that it has consulted the UN Environment Programme (Unep) and other organisations to take its "first steps" in trying to address the issue. BBC quoted Facebook as saying, "We will now review listings on Facebook Marketplace against an international organisation's authoritative database of protected areas to identify listings that may violate this new policy."

Facebook makes an attempt to stop the illegal sale of Amazon rainforest

Chilean authorities have declared a red alert in the Tiltil commune in the Santiago Metropolitan Region and evacuated residents due to a forest fire that started on Wednesday.

Forest fires destroy at least 12 homes and 100 hectares in Chile

A new report reveals that deforestation in the Amazon forest has hit the highest annual level in a decade.&nbsp;

Between August 2020 and July 2021, the rainforest lost 10.476 square kilometres, an area nearly seven times bigger than greater London and 13 times the size of New York City, reveals by Imazon, a Brazilian research institute that has been tracking the Amazon deforestation since 2008. The figure is 57 per cent higher than in the previous year and is the worst since 2012.

Carlos Souza, a researcher at Imazon, was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "Deforestation is still out of control."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/powerful-storm-threatens-us-east-coast-407347">Also read |&nbsp;Powerful storm threatens US east coast</a>

“Brazil is going against the global climate agenda that is seeking to urgently reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

Souza further urged for the urgent resumption of government actions to stop the destruction. This includes measures like the enforcement of illegal agriculture-led deforestation in the region.

Marcio Astrini, the executive-secretary of the organisation Climate Observatory, said, "The data shows that it didn’t work".

“No army operation will be able to mask or reverse the attacks of the federal government against the forest.”

A new report reveals that deforestation in the Amazon forest has hit the highest annual level in a decade. Between August 2020 and July 2021, the rainforest lost 10.

A new report reveals that deforestation in the Amazon forest has hit the highest annual level in a decade. Between August 2020 and July 2021, the rainforest lost 10.476 square kilometres, an area nearly seven times bigger than greater London and 13 times the size of New York City, reveals by Imazon, a Brazilian research institute that has been tracking the Amazon deforestation since 2008. The figure is 57 per cent higher than in the previous year and is the worst since 2012. Carlos Souza, a researcher at Imazon, was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "Deforestation is still out of control." Also read | Powerful storm threatens US east coast “Brazil is going against the global climate agenda that is seeking to urgently reduce greenhouse gas emissions.” Souza further urged for the urgent resumption of government actions to stop the destruction. This includes measures like the enforcement of illegal agriculture-led deforestation in the region. Marcio Astrini, the executive-secretary of the organisation Climate Observatory, said, "The data shows that it didn’t work". “No army operation will be able to mask or reverse the attacks of the federal government against the forest.”

Deforestation in Amazon forest hits the highest annual level in a decade

Around a dozen homes were destroyed and five people were hospitalised with breathing problems Saturday in a forest fire near Patras, Greece's third largest city, authorities said.

Some 145 firefighters, 50 trucks, eight firefighting planes and helicopters have been mobilised to extinguish the fire in the Zeria region in the Peloponnese, about 210 kilometres west of Athens, the firefighting service said.&nbsp;

The authorities evacuated people from five villages in the region as well as from the tourist resort of Loggos on the coast.

Around a dozen homes burned and five people experiencing breathing problems were transported to hospitals in the region, the civil protection authority said.

A motorway in the region was shut down as was the Rio-Antirrio bridge across the Gulf of Corinth connecting the Peloponnese and mainland Greece, the ANA news agency reported, but traffic resumed on &nbsp;Saturday evening.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/greek-fm-nikos-dendias-says-india-greece-uae-to-establish-trilateral-dialogue-hits-out-turkey-397088">Also read |&nbsp;Greek FM Nikos Dendias says India, Greece, UAE to establish trilateral dialogue; hits out Turkey</a>

Hospitals in Patras and the neighbouring city of Aigio had been put on notice to admit any injured people, while the coastguard have been on standby to rescue any swimmers overcome by smoke.

According to the civil protection agency, 56 forest fires had broken out over the past 24 hours, although most were quickly brought under control.

Greece is hit by forest fires every summer, but experts have warned that global warming increases both their frequency and intensity.

The country has been in the grip of another heat wave since Friday, with temperatures hovering between 42 and 44 degrees Celsius,&nbsp;weather forecasters say.

Several days ago, a fire ravaged Mount Penteli, close to the capital Athens, but caused no casualties.

It was the same area where a fire in July 2018 went on to claim 102 lives in Greece's worst-ever toll from a forest inferno.

Around a dozen homes were destroyed and five people were hospitalised with breathing problems Saturday in a forest fire near Patras, Greece's third largest city, authorities said.

Around a dozen homes were destroyed and five people were hospitalised with breathing problems Saturday in a forest fire near Patras, Greece's third largest city, authorities said. Some 145 firefighters, 50 trucks, eight firefighting planes and helicopters have been mobilised to extinguish the fire in the Zeria region in the Peloponnese, about 210 kilometres west of Athens, the firefighting service said. The authorities evacuated people from five villages in the region as well as from the tourist resort of Loggos on the coast. Around a dozen homes burned and five people experiencing breathing problems were transported to hospitals in the region, the civil protection authority said. A motorway in the region was shut down as was the Rio-Antirrio bridge across the Gulf of Corinth connecting the Peloponnese and mainland Greece, the ANA news agency reported, but traffic resumed on Saturday evening. Also read | Greek FM Nikos Dendias says India, Greece, UAE to establish trilateral dialogue; hits out Turkey Hospitals in Patras and the neighbouring city of Aigio had been put on notice to admit any injured people, while the coastguard have been on standby to rescue any swimmers overcome by smoke. According to the civil protection agency, 56 forest fires had broken out over the past 24 hours, although most were quickly brought under control. Greece is hit by forest fires every summer, but experts have warned that global warming increases both their frequency and intensity. The country has been in the grip of another heat wave since Friday, with temperatures hovering between 42 and 44 degrees Celsius, weather forecasters say. Several days ago, a fire ravaged Mount Penteli, close to the capital Athens, but caused no casualties. It was the same area where a fire in July 2018 went on to claim 102 lives in Greece's worst-ever toll from a forest inferno.

Dozen homes destroyed, five hospitalised in Greece forest fire

Four people were reported dead Thursday and more than 180 injured as thousands of firefighters battled huge blazes spreading across the Mediterranean resort regions of Turkey's southern coast.

Officials also launched an investigation into suspicions the fires that broke out Wednesday in four locations to the east of the tourist hotspot Antalya were the result of arson.

Turkey's disaster and emergencies office said three people were killed -- including an 82-year-old who lived alone.

The NTV channel later said a 25-year-old man died in Marmaris while trying to bring aid.

The fires first emerged across a sparsely populated region about 75 kilometres (45 miles) east of Antalya -- a resort especially popular with Russian and other eastern European tourists.

But they were creeping closer Thursday to sandy beaches dotted with hotels and resorts.

Images on social media and Turkish TV showed residents jumping out of their cars and running for their lives through smoke-filled streets lit up by orange flames.

The heavy clouds of smoke turned the sky dark orange over a beachfront hotel complex in the town of Manavgat.

At least 183 people were hospitalised.

Agriculture Minister Bekir Pakdemirli said a hotel was also being evacuated near the tourist city of Bodrum -- some 300 kilometres west of Antalya -- as new fires broke out across the southern coast.

Full mobilisation

The fires were raging with temperatures approaching 40 degrees&nbsp;Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) and wind gusts of 50 kilometres (30 miles) an hour.

But Antalya mayor Muhittin Bocek said he suspected foul play because the fires started in four locations at once.

"This suggests an arson attack, but we do not have clear information about that at this stage," Bocek said.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said an investigation had already been launched.

The Russian embassy said Moscow had sent three giant firefighting aircraft to dump fire retardant on the burning forests to contain the flames.

Greece's foreign minister Nikos Dendias told his Turkish counterpart that Greece, whose ties with its neighbour are tense, was "ready to help if needed," the Turkish ministry said.

Azerbaijan also offered help.

More than 4,000 Turkish firefighters had been dispatched across the region to help contain the damage and search for people needing help.

They rescued 10 people on Thursday who were stranded on a boat in a lake that was surrounded by burning forest.

"All of the state's means have been mobilised," Environment Minister Murat Kurum said. "All our teams are in the field."

Four people were reported dead Thursday and more than 180 injured as thousands of firefighters battled huge blazes spreading across the Mediterranean resort regions of Turkey's southern coast.

Four people were reported dead Thursday and more than 180 injured as thousands of firefighters battled huge blazes spreading across the Mediterranean resort regions of Turkey's southern coast. Officials also launched an investigation into suspicions the fires that broke out Wednesday in four locations to the east of the tourist hotspot Antalya were the result of arson. Turkey's disaster and emergencies office said three people were killed -- including an 82-year-old who lived alone. The NTV channel later said a 25-year-old man died in Marmaris while trying to bring aid. The fires first emerged across a sparsely populated region about 75 kilometres (45 miles) east of Antalya -- a resort especially popular with Russian and other eastern European tourists. But they were creeping closer Thursday to sandy beaches dotted with hotels and resorts. Images on social media and Turkish TV showed residents jumping out of their cars and running for their lives through smoke-filled streets lit up by orange flames. The heavy clouds of smoke turned the sky dark orange over a beachfront hotel complex in the town of Manavgat. At least 183 people were hospitalised. Agriculture Minister Bekir Pakdemirli said a hotel was also being evacuated near the tourist city of Bodrum -- some 300 kilometres west of Antalya -- as new fires broke out across the southern coast. Full mobilisation The fires were raging with temperatures approaching 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) and wind gusts of 50 kilometres (30 miles) an hour. But Antalya mayor Muhittin Bocek said he suspected foul play because the fires started in four locations at once. "This suggests an arson attack, but we do not have clear information about that at this stage," Bocek said. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said an investigation had already been launched. The Russian embassy said Moscow had sent three giant firefighting aircraft to dump fire retardant on the burning forests to contain the flames. Greece's foreign minister Nikos Dendias told his Turkish counterpart that Greece, whose ties with its neighbour are tense, was "ready to help if needed," the Turkish ministry said. Azerbaijan also offered help. More than 4,000 Turkish firefighters had been dispatched across the region to help contain the damage and search for people needing help. They rescued 10 people on Thursday who were stranded on a boat in a lake that was surrounded by burning forest. "All of the state's means have been mobilised," Environment Minister Murat Kurum said. "All our teams are in the field."

Forest fires rage near Turkish resorts, killing four

In Pics | Forest fire ravages through area near Athens

A forest where God lives: Japan forest lights up in digital art show

In Pics | Deadly forest fire in Cyprus finally brought under control

The European Union on Saturday deployed aerial assistance to help&nbsp;Cyprus&nbsp;contain a huge forest fire raging north of the cities of Limassol and Larnaca, a blaze one official called the worst on record.

The blaze, fanned by strong winds, affected at least six communities in the foothills of the Troodos mountain range, an area of pine forest and densely vegetated shrubland.

The EU's executive, the European Commission, said fire-fighting planes had departed from Greece to battle the fire and Italy was also planning to deploy aerial fire-fighters.

The EU's emergency Copernicus satellite was also activated to provide damage assessment maps of the affected areas, the Commission said in a statement.

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"It is the worst forest fire in the history of&nbsp;Cyprus," Forestries Department Director Charalambos Alexandrou told&nbsp;Cyprus's Omega TV.

Attempts were being made to prevent the blaze from crossing the mountains and stop it before reaching Machairas, a pine forestland and one of the highest peaks in&nbsp;Cyprus.

Alexandrou said the perimeter of the fire was "at least 40 kilometres".

Dozens of properties were damaged, but no injuries were reported. There were widespread power cuts in the area. Plumes of smoke were visible in the capital Nicosia, some 75 km (45 miles) away.

Officials said that in addition to Greece's assistance with two aircraft, help was also expected from Israel.

"This is a very difficult day for&nbsp;Cyprus. All of the state's mechanisms are in gear, and the priority is for no loss of life," Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades tweeted.

Israel accepted Nicosia's plea for help, a statement from Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said, and will send firefighting aircraft to&nbsp;Cyprus&nbsp;on Sunday.

The cause of the fire, which started around midday, was unclear.&nbsp;Cyprus&nbsp;has experienced a heatwave this week, with temperatures exceeding 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit). Police said they were questioning a 67 year old person in connection with the blaze.

"It passed through like a whirlwind, it destroyed everything," said Vassos Vassiliou, the community leader of Arakapas, one of the communities affected.

The European Union on Saturday deployed aerial assistance to help Cyprus contain a huge forest fire raging north of the cities of Limassol and Larnaca, a blaze one official called the worst on record.

The European Union on Saturday deployed aerial assistance to help Cyprus contain a huge forest fire raging north of the cities of Limassol and Larnaca, a blaze one official called the worst on record. The blaze, fanned by strong winds, affected at least six communities in the foothills of the Troodos mountain range, an area of pine forest and densely vegetated shrubland. The EU's executive, the European Commission, said fire-fighting planes had departed from Greece to battle the fire and Italy was also planning to deploy aerial fire-fighters. The EU's emergency Copernicus satellite was also activated to provide damage assessment maps of the affected areas, the Commission said in a statement. Also read | Philippine military plane carrying 85 people crashes; 40 rescued "It is the worst forest fire in the history of Cyprus," Forestries Department Director Charalambos Alexandrou told Cyprus's Omega TV. Attempts were being made to prevent the blaze from crossing the mountains and stop it before reaching Machairas, a pine forestland and one of the highest peaks in Cyprus. Alexandrou said the perimeter of the fire was "at least 40 kilometres". Dozens of properties were damaged, but no injuries were reported. There were widespread power cuts in the area. Plumes of smoke were visible in the capital Nicosia, some 75 km (45 miles) away. Officials said that in addition to Greece's assistance with two aircraft, help was also expected from Israel. "This is a very difficult day for Cyprus. All of the state's mechanisms are in gear, and the priority is for no loss of life," Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades tweeted. Israel accepted Nicosia's plea for help, a statement from Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said, and will send firefighting aircraft to Cyprus on Sunday. The cause of the fire, which started around midday, was unclear. Cyprus has experienced a heatwave this week, with temperatures exceeding 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit). Police said they were questioning a 67 year old person in connection with the blaze. "It passed through like a whirlwind, it destroyed everything," said Vassos Vassiliou, the community leader of Arakapas, one of the communities affected.

EU deploys assistance for Cyprus as huge forest fire rages

Police have fined two men who had to be rescued from an Australian forest after they were chased by a deer while sunbathing naked on a beach and became lost.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The men called for help about 6 pm&nbsp;on&nbsp;Sunday after they became lost in the Royal National Park south of Sydney, a police statement said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Unbelievably, we saw two men sunbaking naked on a beach on the South Coast,"&nbsp;Police Commissioner Mick Fuller told reporters.&nbsp;"They were startled by a deer, ran into the national ... Park and got lost."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Their rescue involved police aircraft, the State Emergency Service and ambulance officers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The men, aged 30 and 49, were fined 1,000 Australian dollars ($759) each for breaching a stay-home pandemic order that restricted them to Sydney, police said&nbsp;on&nbsp;Monday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The younger man was found&nbsp;'naked and carrying a backpack?’&nbsp;while the older man&nbsp;was&nbsp;'partially clothed’," the police statement said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Clearly putting people at risk by leaving home without a proper reason, ... Then getting lost in the national park and diverting important resources away from the health operation, I think they should be embarrassed,"&nbsp;Fuller said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The pair were among 44 people fined by police on Sunday for breaching a public health order after Sydney began a two-week lockdown on Friday due to a new COVID-19 cluster.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Police have fined two men who had to be rescued from an Australian forest after they were chased by a deer while sunbathing naked on a beach and became lost. The men called for help about 6 pm on Sunday after they became lost in the Royal National Park south of Sydney, a police statement said.

Police have fined two men who had to be rescued from an Australian forest after they were chased by a deer while sunbathing naked on a beach and became lost. The men called for help about 6 pm on Sunday after they became lost in the Royal National Park south of Sydney, a police statement said. "Unbelievably, we saw two men sunbaking naked on a beach on the South Coast," Police Commissioner Mick Fuller told reporters. "They were startled by a deer, ran into the national ... Park and got lost." Their rescue involved police aircraft, the State Emergency Service and ambulance officers. The men, aged 30 and 49, were fined 1,000 Australian dollars ($759) each for breaching a stay-home pandemic order that restricted them to Sydney, police said on Monday. The younger man was found 'naked and carrying a backpack?’ while the older man was 'partially clothed’," the police statement said. "Clearly putting people at risk by leaving home without a proper reason, ... Then getting lost in the national park and diverting important resources away from the health operation, I think they should be embarrassed," Fuller said. The pair were among 44 people fined by police on Sunday for breaching a public health order after Sydney began a two-week lockdown on Friday due to a new COVID-19 cluster. (With inputs from agencies)

Police rescue spooked nude sunbathers from Australian forest  

In a case pertaining to alleged forest encroachment by a private resort in the Nilgiris district, Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamuoorthy of the Maras High Court firmly said that not even an inch of forest land must be encroached.

The Court also instructed the concerned collector and the forest department officials to visit the spot and ensure that every bit of forest land is returned to its pristine status.&nbsp;

Prabhakaran, the petitioner, approached the court citing encroachment of forest land by an under-construction private resort. The said property is situated in the Naduvattom town, in the ecologically sensitive Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu.

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As per the petitioner, such encroachment has led to habitat destruction, damage to ecosystem, flora and fauna, deforestation and disruption in the natural flow of water. He also added that this brought with it the long-term risk of landslides.

According to Prabhakaran, no action was taken in this regard, despite the wrongdoings being brought to the notice of the forest authorities. He was, thus, only left with the option of approaching the court. His petition sought disconnection of power line to the alleged erring resort and also wanted the court to prohibit amassing of construction material in the forest area. He also urged that a survey be carried out in the area to demarcate the forest land.&nbsp;

The court instructed the Nilgiris District Collector and Forest department officials to visit the spot, insect it and retrieve the encroached land. The officials were also instructed to provide a report on this matter and ensure that water from the forest is not diverted to private resorts. The case has been adjourned for three weeks.

In a case pertaining to alleged forest encroachment by a private resort in the Nilgiris district, Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamuoorthy of the Maras High Court firmly said that not even an inch of forest land must be encroached.

In a case pertaining to alleged forest encroachment by a private resort in the Nilgiris district, Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamuoorthy of the Maras High Court firmly said that not even an inch of forest land must be encroached. The Court also instructed the concerned collector and the forest department officials to visit the spot and ensure that every bit of forest land is returned to its pristine status. Prabhakaran, the petitioner, approached the court citing encroachment of forest land by an under-construction private resort. The said property is situated in the Naduvattom town, in the ecologically sensitive Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu. Also read | Semi-wild elephants undergo COVID-19 testing after 9 lions test positive in Indian zoo As per the petitioner, such encroachment has led to habitat destruction, damage to ecosystem, flora and fauna, deforestation and disruption in the natural flow of water. He also added that this brought with it the long-term risk of landslides. According to Prabhakaran, no action was taken in this regard, despite the wrongdoings being brought to the notice of the forest authorities. He was, thus, only left with the option of approaching the court. His petition sought disconnection of power line to the alleged erring resort and also wanted the court to prohibit amassing of construction material in the forest area. He also urged that a survey be carried out in the area to demarcate the forest land. The court instructed the Nilgiris District Collector and Forest department officials to visit the spot, insect it and retrieve the encroached land. The officials were also instructed to provide a report on this matter and ensure that water from the forest is not diverted to private resorts. The case has been adjourned for three weeks.

Not one inch of forest should be encroached upon, says Madras High Court

The&nbsp;Brazilian&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;released nearly 20 per cent more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere over the last decade than it absorbed, according to a stunning report that shows humanity can no longer depend on the world's largest tropical forest to help absorb man-made carbon pollution. &nbsp;&nbsp;

From 2010 through 2019, Brazil's&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;basin gave off 16,600,000,000 tonnes of CO2, while drawing down only 13,900,000,000 tonnes, researchers reported on Thursday in the journal Nature Climate Change.

The study looked at the volume of CO2 absorbed and stored as the forest grows, versus the amounts released back into the atmosphere as it has been burned down or destroyed.

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"We half-expected it, but it is the first time that we have figures showing that the&nbsp;Brazilian&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;has flipped, and is now a net emitter," said co-author Jean-Pierre Wigneron, a scientist at France's National Institute for Agronomic Research (INRA).

"We don't know at what point the changeover could become irreversible," he told AFP in an interview.

The study also showed that deforestation -- through fires and clear-cutting -- increased nearly four-fold in 2019 compared to either of the two previous years, from about one million hectares (2.5 million acres) to 3.9 million hectares, an area the size of the Netherlands.

"Brazil saw a sharp decline in the application of environmental protection policies after the change of government in 2019," the INRA said in a statement.

Brazilian&nbsp;President Jair Bolsonaro was sworn into office on January 1, 2019.&nbsp;

Terrestrial ecosystems worldwide have been a crucial ally as the world struggles to curb CO2 emissions, which topped 40 billion tonnes in 2019.&nbsp;

Over the last half century, plants and soil have consistently absorbed about 30 per cent of those emissions, even as those emissions increased by 50 per cent over than period.&nbsp;

Oceans have also helped, soaking up more than 20 per cent.

The&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;basin contains about half of the world's tropical rainforests, which are more effective at soaking up and storing carbon that other types of vegetation.

If the region were to be come a net source rather than a "sink" of CO2, tackling the climate crisis will be that much harder.

Using new methods of analysing satellite data developed at the University of Oklahoma, the international team of researchers also showed for the first time that degraded forests were a more significant source of planet-warming CO2 emissions that outright deforestation.

Over the same 10-year period, degradation -- caused by fragmentation, selective cutting, or fires that damage but do not destroy trees -- caused three times more emissions that outright destruction of forests.

The data examined in the study only covers Brazil, which holds some 60 per cent of the Amazonian rainforest.

Taking the rest of region into account, "the&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;basin as a whole is probably (carbon) neutral," said Wigneron.

"But in the other countries with&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;rainforest, deforestation is on the rise too, and drought has become more intense."

Climate change looms as a major threat, and could -- above a certain threshold of global warming -- see the continent's rainforest tip into a much drier savannah state, recent studies have shown.

This would have devastating consequences not only to the region, which currently harbours a significant percentage of the world's biodiversity, but globally as well.

The&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;rainforest is one of a dozen so-called "tipping points" in the climate system.

Ice sheets atop Greenland and the West Antarctic, Siberian permafrost loaded with CO2 and methane, monsoon rains in South Asia, coral reef ecosystems, the jet stream -- all are vulnerable to point-of-no-return transitions that would radically alter the world as we know it. &nbsp;

The Brazilian Amazon released nearly 20 per cent more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere over the last decade than it absorbed, according to a stunning report that shows humanity can no longer depend on the world's largest tropical forest to help absorb man-made carbon pollution.

The Brazilian Amazon released nearly 20 per cent more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere over the last decade than it absorbed, according to a stunning report that shows humanity can no longer depend on the world's largest tropical forest to help absorb man-made carbon pollution. From 2010 through 2019, Brazil's Amazon basin gave off 16,600,000,000 tonnes of CO2, while drawing down only 13,900,000,000 tonnes, researchers reported on Thursday in the journal Nature Climate Change. The study looked at the volume of CO2 absorbed and stored as the forest grows, versus the amounts released back into the atmosphere as it has been burned down or destroyed. Also read: UK space agency hunts for 'Moon Trees' from seeds brought back by mission 50 years ago "We half-expected it, but it is the first time that we have figures showing that the Brazilian Amazon has flipped, and is now a net emitter," said co-author Jean-Pierre Wigneron, a scientist at France's National Institute for Agronomic Research (INRA). "We don't know at what point the changeover could become irreversible," he told AFP in an interview. The study also showed that deforestation -- through fires and clear-cutting -- increased nearly four-fold in 2019 compared to either of the two previous years, from about one million hectares (2.5 million acres) to 3.9 million hectares, an area the size of the Netherlands. "Brazil saw a sharp decline in the application of environmental protection policies after the change of government in 2019," the INRA said in a statement. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was sworn into office on January 1, 2019. Terrestrial ecosystems worldwide have been a crucial ally as the world struggles to curb CO2 emissions, which topped 40 billion tonnes in 2019. Over the last half century, plants and soil have consistently absorbed about 30 per cent of those emissions, even as those emissions increased by 50 per cent over than period. Oceans have also helped, soaking up more than 20 per cent. The Amazon basin contains about half of the world's tropical rainforests, which are more effective at soaking up and storing carbon that other types of vegetation. If the region were to be come a net source rather than a "sink" of CO2, tackling the climate crisis will be that much harder. Using new methods of analysing satellite data developed at the University of Oklahoma, the international team of researchers also showed for the first time that degraded forests were a more significant source of planet-warming CO2 emissions that outright deforestation. Over the same 10-year period, degradation -- caused by fragmentation, selective cutting, or fires that damage but do not destroy trees -- caused three times more emissions that outright destruction of forests. The data examined in the study only covers Brazil, which holds some 60 per cent of the Amazonian rainforest. Taking the rest of region into account, "the Amazon basin as a whole is probably (carbon) neutral," said Wigneron. "But in the other countries with Amazon rainforest, deforestation is on the rise too, and drought has become more intense." Climate change looms as a major threat, and could -- above a certain threshold of global warming -- see the continent's rainforest tip into a much drier savannah state, recent studies have shown. This would have devastating consequences not only to the region, which currently harbours a significant percentage of the world's biodiversity, but globally as well. The Amazon rainforest is one of a dozen so-called "tipping points" in the climate system. Ice sheets atop Greenland and the West Antarctic, Siberian permafrost loaded with CO2 and methane, monsoon rains in South Asia, coral reef ecosystems, the jet stream -- all are vulnerable to point-of-no-return transitions that would radically alter the world as we know it.

Climate change: Amazon may be turning from friend to foe

The world has lost nearly 100 million hectares of forests in two decades, marking a steady decline though at a slower pace than before, a UN agency reported Tuesday.

The proportion of forest to total land area fell from 31.9 per cent in 2000 to 31.2 percent in 2020, now some 4.1 billion hectares, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation. &nbsp;

It marks "a net loss of almost 100 million hectares of the world’s forests," the FAO said.

Deforestation has hit particularly hard sub-Saharan Africa and southeast Asia, where it has accelerated in the last decade, but also Latin and Central America, where it has nonetheless slowed down.

Forests are being cut down mainly to make way for crops or farm animals, especially in less developed countries.

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In southeast Asia, forest now covers 47.8 per cent of the land compared to 49 per cent in 2015. In sub-Saharan Africa, it covers 27.8 per cent compared to 28.7 per cent five years ago.

In Indonesia, it is 50.9 per cent, down from 52.5 per cent. In Malaysia, it is 58.2 per cent, down from 59.2 per cent five years ago.

A country strongly focused on agriculture like the Ivory Coast has seen forests reduced to 8.9 percent of the total land area from 10.7 percent in &nbsp;2015. Kenya, Mali and Rwanda have largely held firm against forest loss.

In Latin and Central America, forest covers only 46.7 percent of the total land, compared to 47.4 per cent five years ago.

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In Brazil, forests declined to 59.4 per cent of the country's territory in 2020 from 60.3 per cent in 2015. In Haiti, deforestation has continued apace — falling to 12.6 percent of the total land area from 13.2 per cent in 2015.

In contrast, in many parts of Asia, Europe and North America forest area has increased or stayed the same in the last five years with policies to restore woodland and allow forests to expand naturally.

In China, forests make up 23.3 per cent, up from 22.3 per cent in 2015. In Japan, they account for 68.4 per cent, the same as it was five years ago.

In France, forests cover 31.5 per cent of the land in 2020, up from 30.7 per cent in 2015. In Italy, they make up 32.5 per cent of the national territory, up from 31.6 five years ago.

In Britain, they make up 13.2 per cent, up from 13 percent five years ago.&nbsp;

In Canada, it is unchanged at 38.2 per cent, and in the United States, unchanged at 33.9 percent.

In Australia the figure rose from 17.3 to 17.4 per cent and in New Zealand from 37.4 per cent to 37.6 per cent over the five years.

The world has lost nearly 100 million hectares of forests in two decades, marking a steady decline though at a slower pace than before, a UN agency reported Tuesday.

The world has lost nearly 100 million hectares of forests in two decades, marking a steady decline though at a slower pace than before, a UN agency reported Tuesday. The proportion of forest to total land area fell from 31.9 per cent in 2000 to 31.2 percent in 2020, now some 4.1 billion hectares, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation. It marks "a net loss of almost 100 million hectares of the world’s forests," the FAO said. Deforestation has hit particularly hard sub-Saharan Africa and southeast Asia, where it has accelerated in the last decade, but also Latin and Central America, where it has nonetheless slowed down. Forests are being cut down mainly to make way for crops or farm animals, especially in less developed countries. Also read| Coronavirus pushes 37 million people into extreme poverty: Gates Foundation In southeast Asia, forest now covers 47.8 per cent of the land compared to 49 per cent in 2015. In sub-Saharan Africa, it covers 27.8 per cent compared to 28.7 per cent five years ago. In Indonesia, it is 50.9 per cent, down from 52.5 per cent. In Malaysia, it is 58.2 per cent, down from 59.2 per cent five years ago. A country strongly focused on agriculture like the Ivory Coast has seen forests reduced to 8.9 percent of the total land area from 10.7 percent in 2015. Kenya, Mali and Rwanda have largely held firm against forest loss. In Latin and Central America, forest covers only 46.7 percent of the total land, compared to 47.4 per cent five years ago. Also read| US Election 2020: Where do Trump and Biden stand on climate change? In Brazil, forests declined to 59.4 per cent of the country's territory in 2020 from 60.3 per cent in 2015. In Haiti, deforestation has continued apace — falling to 12.6 percent of the total land area from 13.2 per cent in 2015. In contrast, in many parts of Asia, Europe and North America forest area has increased or stayed the same in the last five years with policies to restore woodland and allow forests to expand naturally. In China, forests make up 23.3 per cent, up from 22.3 per cent in 2015. In Japan, they account for 68.4 per cent, the same as it was five years ago. In France, forests cover 31.5 per cent of the land in 2020, up from 30.7 per cent in 2015. In Italy, they make up 32.5 per cent of the national territory, up from 31.6 five years ago. In Britain, they make up 13.2 per cent, up from 13 percent five years ago. In Canada, it is unchanged at 38.2 per cent, and in the United States, unchanged at 33.9 percent. In Australia the figure rose from 17.3 to 17.4 per cent and in New Zealand from 37.4 per cent to 37.6 per cent over the five years.

World lost 100 million hectares of forest in two decades: UN

Winter rains in the Middle East have brought on a yearly feast for the eyes: thousands of bright red anemones are blanketing parts of Shokeda Forest. The natural show draws hundreds of visitors every year for the brief period that the flowers bloom.

Negev desert covered in red as anemones bloom

Australian farmer, Anthony Thomas, sat on his quad bike on Wednesday (January 8) as he looked at his farm, wiped out by the catastrophic bushfires which swept through Kiah in New South Wales, taking everything in its path when it blazed through four days ago.

'It just meant so much to me': Australian farmer loses entire deer farm to raging bushfire

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