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Overview of the detrimental impact of deforestation on tropical environments.
The focus will be on the trends observed in Latin America, especially the Brazilian Amazon, alongside the driving factors behind these changes.

Source of Data: Aide, M. et al. (2013). "Deforestation and reforestation in Latin America and the Caribbean (2001-2010)" published in Biotropica 45(2): 262-271.
Discussion on the shifts in forest cover observed across various countries in Latin America.
- Dynamics of deforestation and reforestation over the monitored decade.

Identification and exploration of different factors contributing to deforestation.
Classification of Drivers:
- Proximate Drivers: Immediate causes, e.g., agricultural expansion and logging.
- Underlying Drivers: Broader socio-economic and political influences, such as governance and market forces.
Exploration of classic drivers affecting deforestation:
- Population Growth: Increasing demand for land and resources.
- Inappropriate Technologies: Tools and practices that are unsustainable or harmful to the environment.
- Ill-defined Property Rights: Lack of clear ownership leads to exploitation of land.
- Incomplete Markets: Absence of complete market structures inhibits sustainable land use.
- Weak Institutions: Lack of enforcement of environmental regulations and policies.

Historical context surrounding the opening of the Amazon from the 1960s to the 1980s.
- Emergence of military government which influenced land policies.
- Cultural Notion: "Land without people, for people without land" which driven state-sponsored settlement and agricultural practices.
- Cattle Introductions: Developed as a primary agricultural focus due to government incentives.

Tax Exemptions: Offered on agricultural income which encouraged crop and livestock production.
Land Grants: Distribution of land to settlers promoted agriculture at the expense of forests.
Subsidies for Credit: Financial support directed towards agricultural production leading to deforestation.
Export-oriented Deforestation (1990s-2000s):
- The rise of:
- Cattle sector as a significant contributor to deforestation.
- Soybean sector, which created pressure on forest land for agricultural production.
Discussion on the trend of falling rates of deforestation during certain periods.

Political Ideology (Military): Influence of government policies supporting agricultural expansion.
Economic Factors:
- Vent for surplus issues leading to increased production of non-traditional exports.
- Urban food inflation impacting agricultural decisions.

Source of Data: Nepstad, D. et al. (2013). "Slowing Amazon deforestation through public policy and interventions in beef and soy supply chains" published in Science 344, 1118.
Examination of the relationship between beef and soybean production and deforestation events.

Source of Data: Boucher, D. et al. (2013). "Brazil’s success in reducing deforestation" published in Tropical Conservation Science 6(3): 426-445.
The establishment of indigenous reserves and their role in conservation efforts.