Brazil's Greenhouse Emissions Rose 9.5% In 2020 With Amazon Deforestation

"BRASILIA - Brazil’s greenhouse gas emissions increased by 9.5% in 2020 largely due to increased deforestation in the Amazon during the second year of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro’s government, said a report published on Thursday by climate change experts.

While most countries generated less carbon emissions during the economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Brazil in 2020 emitted 2.16 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (GtCO2e), up from 1.97 billion in 2019, according to the study.

Including greenhouse gas removal by secondary forests and protected areas, net emissions rose 14% last year to 1.52 GtCO2e, according to the so-called SEEG study sponsored by the Climate Observatory advocacy group."

Anthony Boadle reports for Reuters October 28, 2021.