(Digital Journal) – A chemical weapon from the Vietnam War-era that has been linked to deaths, injuries, and birth defects is now being used by Brazilian ranchers to clear the Amazonian rain forest to make way for farm land.
Last week, an investigation by IBAMA, Brazil’s environmental agency, lead to the discovery of around four tons of Agent Orange. It’s believed that the herbicide, which would be enough to wipe out 7500 acres of forest, was awaiting to be dispensed. The herbicide would have also killed any animals in the area, as well as contaminate groundwater.
An individual who is believed to be involved with using Agent Orange has been identified by IBAMA, and faces fines of over $1 million. Officials knew something was up after satellite images showed portions of the Amazon showed signs of being cleared by Agent Orange. A flyby in a helicopter confirmed the suspicions raised by the satellites, with trees left gray and defoliated. It’s believed that the herbicide was dispersed by an as-of-yet identified rancher in a plane, clearing space for farmland.
The aerial survey concluded that approximately 440 acres of rain forest has been cleared. This is the first time that Agent Orange has been used in the clearance of the Amazon since 1999, although some officials have warned that people may not have to wait 12 years for it to be used again.
http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/308797
Wow, Mia ~ just shows how some people have total disregard for life and suffering .. that they would think of using Agent Orange in this day and age …after the history of a trail of tears – a demon that must not be released again upon our precious planet ~
I agree, Coralina! What is really disturbing is thinking about who created Agent Orange – Monsanto! Yes, the same company who has defined itself as the world leader in genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The same company whose promised bumper crops failed in India and led many farmers there to commit suicide by drinking pesticides. And, the same company who created Roundup, the chemical concoction that is credited with the creation of superbugs for crops. Hmmm…..Now I wonder what it is that Monsanto is really up to. Cornering the world food market? Yes, they have been buying up smaller seed companies, too. You would have thought they (and the rest of the world, too) would have learned the lessons that Agent Orange taught us so painfully. But, evidently that lesson has yet to be learned by some. 🙁