The National Institute for Space Research, which monitors Amazonian deforestation, has reported that in the one year period between August 2007 and August 2008, over 4,820 square kilometers of the Amazon have been lost. The main causes were cited as being an increased demand for beef and soy. The US Department of Agriculture reports that 74 percent of global soy crops are used as feed for animals. 

We appreciate the efforts of Brazil and elsewhere to curb deforestation.  We also pray that people the world over recognize the destructive effects of meat production and change to a planet-saving, plant-based diet. 

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080830/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/
brazil_amazon_destruction;_ylt=AjW4IcXhL6t.gWtVjWCyBYpvaA8F, http://usda.mannlib.cornell.edu/usda/current/OCS-yearbook/OCS-yearbook-06-18-2008_Special_Report.pdf