Brazil’s government will send army, navy, and air force units into the Amazon rainforest this weekend to crack down on illegal logging. This aggressive campaign, which will last several weeks and cost $3.5 million, represents a change of course for Brazilian Pres. Fernando Henrique Cardoso, whom enviros have accused of ignoring the threats against the Amazon. Brazilian officials admit that almost 80 percent of logging in the Amazon is illegal, and this year they expect a 20 percent increase in deforestation. In the past, illegal logging has rarely been prosecuted, but now violators will face fines, confiscation of merchandise, and possible jail terms, the government says.
