Brazil Sets Alarming New Amazon Deforestation Record

Brazil has set a new grim record for Amazon deforestation during the first three months of 2022 compared with a year earlier, government data shows, spurring concern and warnings from environmentalists. 

From January to March, deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon rose 64 percent from a year ago to 941 sq km (363 sq miles), data from national space research agency INPE showed. That area, larger than New York City, is the most forest cover lost in the period since the data series began in 2015. 

FYI, Brazil hosts about 60 percent of the Amazon rainforest and it plays an important part in regulating the world's oxygen and carbon cycles. It produces roughly 6 percent of the world's oxygen and has long been thought to act as a carbon sink, meaning it readily absorbs large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. 

Destruction of the world’s largest rainforest famed for its biodiversity has surged since President Jair Bolsonaro (right) took office in 2019 and weakened environmental protections, arguing that they hinder economic development that could reduce poverty in the Amazon region. 

Manchester City retained their slender one-point advantage at the top of the Premier League as they fought out a pulsating 2-2 draw with closest rivals Liverpool yesterday. 

The meeting between England’s two top clubs lived up to its pre-match billing and in the end there was nothing to separate them, with the destination of the title still hanging in the balance with seven games remaining. 

It was the Citizens who flew out of the blocks to take the lead in just the fifth minute but the Reds were quickly on terms when Diogo Jota turned home Trent Alexander-Arnold's pass eight minutes later – his 15th Premier League goal of the season. Nine minutes before the break, the former restored their lead. 

Thankfully, after the re-start, Sadio Mane celebrated his 30th birthday by scoring from Mohamed Salah's perfect pass in the 46th minute to level the score. Yet, we cannot deny how Liverpool lived on their nerves in the final minutes. 

Sure, Liverpool may still be in second place but they are right in the title hunt. Like Pep Guardiola, Jürgen Klopp would have preferred all three points – but he will not be unhappy with one, especially since we saw his side’s defensive lapses. 

League action is put on the back burner because next up for Liverpool, they'll meet Benfica on Tuesday and focus on making it to the Champions League semi-final before then meeting Manchester City again on Sunday in search of an FA Cup final place. Needless to say, two games which they must win!