'Football Field' of Amazon Forest Cleared Every Minute The Amazon rainforest has the richest<br />biodiversity on the planet, providing shelter to<br />one-tenth of all species of plants and animals. It is also an important carbon store,<br />which helps slow down global warming. According to satellite data, a<br />football field-sized area of<br />the Amazon rainforest is<br />cut down every minute. The accelerated deforestation is due to<br />Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro's prioritization<br />of development over conservation. The land is being cleared to<br />create new pastures for cattle. Bolsonaro has banned his environment<br />staff from talking to the press, as their<br />research directly contradicts his policies. Environment Official,<br />via BBC
