Under Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro rule, Amazon deforestation rising towards unrecoverable 'tipping point'

Deforestation in Brazil's portion of the Amazon rainforest continued to soar in July. The latest data has triggered fear that it could approach a tipping point from which the world's largest tropical rainforest will not recover. 

According to the latest data from Brazilian satellites, Brazil's part of Amazon lost over 1,345 square km (519 square miles) of the forest.

Following the latest deforestation data, scientists are fearing that the damage could reach a point from where no recovery will be possible of the tropical rainforest and may degrade to savannah.

According to the latest data from Brazilian satellites, Brazil's part of Amazon lost over 1,345 square km (519 square miles) of the forest.

Following the latest deforestation data, scientists are fearing that the damage could reach a point from where no recovery will be possible of the tropical rainforest and may degrade to savannah.

In June, deforestation data showed a drastic increase of 88 per cent.

The rainy season through April appeared to hold off a spike in deforestation that subsequently came with the dry season starting in May in which cutting trees become easier.

Deforestation rose 34% in May compared with the same month a year ago.

Brazil is home to 60% of the Amazon, which is the world’s largest tropical rainforest and is seen as vital to the global fight against climate change.

The rest of the part extends into Colombia, Peru and other South American countries.

Earlier, Greenpeace forest strategist Paulo Adario had said "all indications" are that deforestation will worsen under Bolsonaro, but he hopes news of a large increase will put pressure on the government to take action.

"When they have the final numbers, if it is really a lot, this will be a nightmare for Bolsonaro," Adario said. 

"This is something that is really important from an international and Brazilian point of view because Amazon is an icon."