Deter is the real-time detection system of the National Institute for Space Research. To implement it, INPE, based in São Paulo, relies on satellites, which allows it to guide the monitoring of deforestation and forest degradation in the Amazon directly in the field, every day. It is the most efficient way to monitor human activity in the region. The latest bulletin was released today.
In June, Deter detected 535 square kilometers of changes. In July, the record rose to 729 km2. The main culprit was Pará, which accounted for more than half (277 km2) in June and continued to lead the following month, although in a smaller proportion (232 km2).
Thus, of the 1,263 km2 of deforestation and degradation of new areas in the Amazon in the two-month period, the change in Pará was 532 km2. Mato Grosso and Rondônia were almost tied: 268 km2 and 263 km2. What is surprising is the growth of destruction in the Amazon, previously untouched, which reached 167 km2.
The real numbers are likely to be even higher because the satellite does not penetrate the clouds, which always cover part of the area, preventing detection work. The routine of findings shows that the Amazon is far from reaching the era of reason regarding the use of its natural resources.
