It hasn’t all been bad news for the environment in the last two decades. At the turn of the 21st century, international pressure to protect the Amazon rainforest mounted. The Brazilian Institute of the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA) began to give out tough fines to illegal ranchers and loggers, which were effective in reducing forest clearing rates. Between 2004 and 2012, deforestation fell by an impressive 83.5%.

Unbelievable images of the unexplored world you'll only see in photos

Lungs Of The Earth: Why You Should Care About The Amazon Rainforest