Brazil cracks ‘biggest’ Amazon deforestation gang
Police in Brazil have broken up an Amazon deforestation gang considered the worst currently active, officials said.
Environmental news and related issues
Brazil
Biotech firm’s GM mosquitoes to fight dengue in Brazil
It's a dry winter day in southeast Brazil, but a steamy tropical summer reigns inside the labs at Oxitec, where workers are making an unusual product: genetically modified mosquitoes to fight dengue fever.
Isolated indigenous communities of South America under threat
Indigenous people in the most remote regions of South America are under threat from development, a regional human rights body warned Tuesday, urging that inhabitants these areas be left alone.
New study shows Indonesia’s disastrous deforestation
Satellite images have found that Indonesia's ancient forests, a cradle of biodiversity and a buffer against climate change, have shrunk much faster than thought, scientists said on Sunday.
Brazil fears World Cup tourists’ parasites
Agriculture watchdogs in Brazil fear foreigners arriving for the World Cup could bring up to 350 new plant parasites into the country.
With handy app, Brazilians hope to fight dengue
While World Cup referees finally have goal-line technology to prevent mistakes, doctors in Brazil will soon have their own computer gizmo to contain dengue outbreaks.
GM mosquitoes open up new front in war on malaria
Biologists said Tuesday they had devised a new weapon against malaria by genetically engineering mosquitoes which produce mostly male offspring, eventually leading to a population wipe-out.
Chief Raoni launches World Cup tour to fight for Amazon
Twenty-five years after he rose to fame touring with pop star Sting, Brazilian indigenous chief Raoni has launched a new tour coinciding with the World Cup to condemn the ongoing destruction of the Amazon.
Brazil promises ‘greenest World Cup’
Brazil announced a package of pollution-cutting measures aimed at making this year's World Cup more environmentally friendly, ranging from an emissions-trading scheme to a "green passport" smart-phone application.
Boeing, Embraer to open joint biofuel research center
US aerospace giant Boeing and Brazil's Embraer said Monday they will open a joint research center in Brazil to develop a sustainable biofuel for the aviation industry.
Tourism main topic at annual Antarctic Treaty meeting
Increased tourism on the world's iciest continent and its impact on the environment were set to top discussion at an annual Antarctic Treaty meeting that began Monday in Brasilia.
Pollution muddies Rio 2016 waters
Waters polluted by sewage off the coast of Rio remain a concern for organisers of the 2016 Olympics, but the International Olympic Committee insisted Friday that the sea will be safe for competition.
Brazil in World Cup waste recycling push
World Cup organizers said Wednesday that an estimated 320 tons of solid waste which the June 12 to July 13 event is expected to generate will be sent for recycling.
Brazil soy, corn production overcome drought
Weeks of drought and heat have hit Brazil's soy and corn production, but the agriculture ministry on Tuesday still predicted a record 2014 harvest.
Brazil scientists warn on dwindling jaguar population
The jaguar could soon become extinct in Brazil's tropical Atlantic forest, threatening the shrinking primitive forest itself, Brazilian scientists warned Monday.
Brazil’s Sao Paulo state bans animal testing
The southeastern Brazilian state of Sao Paulo on Thursday banned animal testing in research for the cosmetics, perfume and personal care industry. The decision followed recent protests by animal rights activists.
Brazil moves to evict invaders from Amazon’s Awa lands
Brazilian authorities said they are taking steps to remove illegal invaders from the Amazon heartland of the threatened Awa indigenous tribe.
Scientists help adapt Brazil farming to climate change
Hundreds of scientists are helping Brazil's giant agricultural sector prepare for the effects of climate change and anticipate pests that hit neighboring countries.
Brazil adapting wheat production to tropics
Over decades, Brazil revolutionized its agriculture by adapting production of soybean, milk, meat and corn to tropical conditions. Now it aims to do the same with wheat.