Eco-ranchers help preserve the planet’s lungs in the Amazon

Americas Now

More than half the world’s remaining rain forest is in the Amazon region and most of that is in Brazil. Preserving the forest, or at least diminishing the rate at which it’s being destroyed for industry, has been one of the biggest environmental challenges the world has faced in the last 50 years.

Correspondent Stephen Gibbs explores whether the business of cattle ranching can co-exist with the task of protecting the Amazon rainforest.

Livestock is often labeled as the main culprit of the environmental destruction. As global consumption of beef increases, ranchers have a major incentive to head to the Amazon, slash and burn woodland and create pasture for cattle to graze. It’s no surprise then that ranchers have long been seen as the enemies of environmentalists.

But a group of farmers is changing its ways to make a good living and make good with the environment.

Watch Stephen Gibbs’ report to learn more about these eco-ranchers.

Eco-ranchers help preserve the planet’s lungs in the Amazon

More than half the world’s remaining rain forest is in the Amazon region and most of that is in Brazil. Preserving the forest, or at least diminishing the rate at which it’s being destroyed for industry, has been one of the biggest environmental challenges the world has faced in the last 50 years. Correspondent Stephen Gibbs explores whether the business of cattle ranching can co-exist with the task of protecting the Amazon rainforest. Livestock is often labeled as the main culprit of the environmental destruction. As global consumption of beef increases, ranchers have a major incentive to head to the Amazon, slash and burn woodland and create pasture for cattle to graze. It’s no surprise then that ranchers have long been seen as the enemies of environmentalists. But a group of farmers is changing its ways to make a good living and make good with the environment. Watch Stephen Gibbs' report to learn more about these eco-ranchers.