How does the Trans-Amazonian highway help?

Answer 1

There is a vast road, the Trans-Amazonian Highway, stretching for nearly 5300km from Recife in the east to the Peruvian Andes in the west. Construction began in the early 1970's and it is the main route across the rainforest. It is also crosses by some roads leading both north and south, some of which are gravel paths, although others are paved. There is also a railway and another is being proposed, all part of the ambitious development program by the Brazilian government. The improvement of power and communications have made logging, ranching, mining and transportation much easier and cheaper, adding to the growing problems. However there are many disadvantages to this development, most of which are environmental hazards. The road construction, mining and other processes, involve the use of many pollutants. Many trees have been cut down causing ferther loss of habitat. As the rainforest becomes opened up its decimation increases further. The native Amazonians also suffer from the continued invasion as at least one untouched tribe is discovered each year of the project. Not only is their way of life disrupted, but their land is destroyed. Yet they still have no say in the matters of the rainforest.