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The Belo Monte hydroelectric dam stands in the Xingu River in Altamira, Para state, Brazil, Friday, Sept. 6, 2019. Credit:
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Norte Energia, operator of the Belo Monte Dam on the Xingu River in the eastern Amazon rainforest, has begun diverting about 85% of the river s water to the dam s turbines in order to boost electricity production. Scientists say the resulting drop in water levels will disrupt flood-dependent ecosystems and adversely affect the Indigenous peoples along the river.
Brazil has built more than 200 large hydroelectric dams as a way to produce energy for a growing economy, and Norte Energia s Belo Monte Dam has been one of the most controversial. Aside from its effect on local people and wildlife that rely on the river s natural rise and fall, flooding behind dams can add to climate change by killing trees and other vegetation, which decompose and release methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
Two new species of endangered screech owls identified from Brazil
by Liz Kimbrough on 1 April 2021
Two new species of tiny screech owls from the Amazon and Atlantic rainforests in Brazil have been described by science.
Prior to the discovery, the new owl species were grouped together with two other South American species, but by closely examining their calls, DNA, and appearance, scientists determined that there were enough differences to classify two new species.
Although the owls are new to science, they are at risk of extinction, and will likely be classified as critically endangered.
Two new species of tiny screech owls from the Amazon and Atlantic rainforests in Brazil have been described by science.
Two New Species of Endangered Screech Owls Discovered in Amazon Rainforest! natureworldnews.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from natureworldnews.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Freight train project that railroads Indigenous rights still on track
The “Grainway” freight train project cutting through the Brazilian Amazon is expected to receive its first environmental license next month.
by Jennifer Ann Thomas on 16 March 2021 | Translated by Maya Johnson
A controversial project to build a rail line for transporting soybeans and other commodities through Indigenous lands in the Brazilian Amazon may get its environmental license as soon as April.
Prosecutors in the state of Pará, where the line will terminate at the Miritituba river port, have filed a court request for a suspension of the project until prior consultation with the affected Indigenous communities have been carried out.
Amazon s Belo Monte dam cuts Xingu River flow 85%; a crime, Indigenous say mongabay.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from mongabay.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.