UK cuts rainforest funding to meet Iraq costs

[Karmadillo]

http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/politics/story.jsp?story=462904

Britain is to slash its aid programme aimed at saving the Amazon rainforest and preserving the culture of its people to meet the soaring cost of rebuilding Iraq.

Environmentalists fear the Government's decision to review its £16m contribution to the international community's efforts to protect Amazonia could lead to further ecological and cultural devastation.

Britain is one of the leading backers of the G7 Pilot Programme for the Conservation of the Brazilian Rainforests, which helps indigenous peoples to manage the forest in a sustainable way and counter the effects of illegal logging.

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The number of trees felled in the Amazon region has risen by 40 per cent in the past year, with almost 10,000 square miles of virgin forest - an area 1.2 times the size of Wales - cut down. But the Government has admitted "the future" of schemes that were due to continue for another three years, "will have to be reviewed".

more...

[WindRavenX]

1. Pssh..it's not like we need to save the enviroment...

...I mean, geez, what good are a buncha trees? :eyes: :eyes: :eyes:

[E_Zapata]

2. Well, the amazon rainforest is a lost cause anyways.......

I think it has 10 years before it's completely OBLITERATED.

And I do so appreciate the OPENNESS of the priorities.

And its very important that the brits (or the americans) not have to forego any of their privileges just for a silly ole war 1000s of miles away!

***I SWEAR.......I have moments when I just go: "I can't even believe that the USA is warmongering. It's surreal to me.