The Intelligence from The Economist The Intelligence: If a tree falls in the Amazon
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Jan 8, 2024 
Ana Lankes, The Economist's Latin America correspondent, unveils the stark reality of Amazon deforestation, tracing its roots to cattle ranching and soybean farming. She highlights the environmental crisis and the urgent need for global support and a robust property register to protect indigenous rights. Tom Gardner, the East Africa correspondent, discusses a controversial deal granting Ethiopia access to a vital port in Somaliland, exploring its geopolitical implications and the rising tensions in the Horn of Africa, including the potential for Somaliland's recognition.
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Amazon Destruction Firsthand
- Ana Lankes and Robert Guest witnessed firsthand deforestation, burning, and illegal mining in the Amazon.
- They saw soybean fields, cattle grazing on deforested land, and barges used for illegal gold mining with mercury.
Amazon Tipping Point
- The Amazon rainforest, crucial for biodiversity and carbon sequestration, faces a tipping point.
- At 25% deforestation, the forest won't sustain itself, turning into a savanna and releasing tons of carbon.
Land Ownership Disputes
- Land ownership disputes complicate Amazon protection efforts due to multiple, uncoordinated land registries.
- Nearly a third of the Amazon is undesignated, making it vulnerable to illegal land grabbing and deforestation.