Pope Francis Laments Destruction of Forests to Plant Soy
Pope Francis Laments Destruction of Forests to Plant Soy
World | Reuters | Updated: August 09, 2015 02:17 IST
Pope Francis criticised the destruction of forests in order to plant soy in an interview with an Argentine radio station on Saturday, reinforcing his message that the environment should take precedence over financial gain.
"It hurts me in my soul when I see deforestation to plant soy," said the pope in an interview with two priests at Radio Parroquial Virgen del Carmen in Campo Gallo, a tiny parish radio station in the poor northern province of Santiago del Estero in his native Argentina.
"It will take thousands of years to recover. Look after the woods and water."
Argentina is the world's largest supplier of soymeal and soyoil, and much of its vast pampas that were once given over to cattle ranches now grow the plant, used for animal feed and in foodstuffs, with China the leading importer.
In neighbouring Brazil, also a major soy supplier, environmentalists claim that its cultivation has led to the destruction of rainforest.
More:
http://www.ndtv.com/world-news/pope-francis-laments-destruction-of-forests-to-plant-soy-1205317
Environment & Energy:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/112789511