Chalk Up Another One for the Planet

Despite continuing evidence of humanity's inhumanity to humanity, the planet scored another victory, courtesy of some of humanity bravely holding off the rest of humanity to save a small but significant chunk of what once was the pride of planet Earth: its forests.

Specifically in this case, the crucial tropical rainforest. Brazil announced it will protect a significant portion of very endangered rainforest, which also will link existing preserved portions in three other countries, creating an important corridor for wildlife.

According to ABC News: Known as the Guayana Shield, the 57,915-square-mile area contains more than 25 percent of the world's remaining humid tropical forests and the largest remaining unpolluted fresh water reserves in the American tropics.

The article quotes Conservation International President Russell Mittermeier as saying:
"If any tropical rain forest on Earth remains intact a century from now, it will be this portion of northern Amazonia." That's great, but if it indeed is the only intact tropical rain forest, it won't be nearly enough. This is part of a beginning. No less, but no more.

UPDATE: A real good diary on this topic at dkos.