The MATOPIBA region, encompassing the states of Maranhão, Tocantins, Piauí, and Bahia, is at the forefront of recent land-use change, with agricultural expansion encroaching further into the remaining native vegetation. This expansion is leading to significant deforestation, reshaping the climate of the Cerrado region. The rainy season now arrives later, overall rainfall has decreased, and daytime temperatures have risen by approximately 1.5 degrees Centigrade.
As a result of the changing climate, agriculture in the region is becoming increasingly reliant on irrigation. This dependency on irrigation is creating a dangerous cycle, depleting water sources and exacerbating ecological degradation across the area.
The Cerrado is home to a diverse range of species, with a significant amount of carbon stored underground in its intricate root systems. When the native vegetation is cleared, this stored carbon is released into the atmosphere, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. The Cerrado is also crucial for Brazil’s water systems, giving rise to various river basins and aquifers holding vast freshwater reserves. However, the increasing demand from industrial farming, hydropower projects, and urban expansion is putting immense pressure on these systems.
Hydropower development in the region has further accelerated environmental damage, fragmenting rivers and disrupting natural flows. Additionally, extensive fire-driven degradation, often unaccounted for in official deforestation figures, is a significant threat to the region. Human activities, such as land clearing and agricultural expansion, are the primary causes of fires in the Cerrado.
The Cerrado is home to around 13,000 plant species, over 3,200 vertebrates, and tens of thousands of invertebrates, with a third of its plant life being endemic. However, despite its rich biodiversity, only a small portion of the Cerrado is protected. Many species, particularly plants and insects, are under threat, and ecosystems like grasslands are undervalued despite their ecological importance.
Indigenous communities play a crucial role in preserving the Cerrado’s biodiversity, with around 80 Indigenous peoples residing in more than 200 recognized territories across the region. These communities have historically cared for the land, maintaining its resilience and protecting wildlife. However, many territories are only partially recognized under the law, leaving them vulnerable to agricultural expansion and deforestation.
The destruction of the Cerrado is closely linked to global supply chains, with countries like Britain importing significant amounts of soy for animal feed. The expansion of agribusiness, particularly soy and livestock farming, is a major driver of deforestation in the region. Despite sustainability pledges, British imports of soy and beef continue to contribute to the destruction of the Cerrado.
To address the environmental crisis in the Cerrado, it is essential to hold companies accountable for their sourcing practices and to establish legally binding rules to prevent further deforestation. Protecting the Cerrado is not only crucial for the region’s biodiversity and water systems but also for global climate stability.
The fate of the Cerrado is intertwined with our daily choices and consumption habits. Climate responsibility begins with the decisions we make in our kitchens and the products we choose to consume. By being mindful of our impact on distant ecosystems like the Cerrado, we can contribute to a more sustainable future for the planet.
This article was rewritten by Monica Piccinini, a freelance writer focusing on environmental, health, and human rights issues. For more articles, visit Monica’s website.
