In Brazil domestic demand for charcoal is altering the industry

Americas Now

Brazil is the world´s largest producer of charcoal. The country produces tons of the carbon each year. 

Charcoal is mainly used to fuel the blast furnaces of the country’s iron ore producers. 

But a new demand for the commodity is coming from inside the country.

Rising gas prices have led to the increased use of charcoal by civilians for cooking in Brazilian homes.

Correspondent Paulo Cabral tells the effect it has had on the charcoal market.

Paulo also reports on the impact charcoal production has on the environment and how the industry is adapting.

Brazil pledged to the United Nations “zero illegal deforestation” in the Amazon by 2030. Deforestation fell in 2017 for the first time in three years.