The pioneers of 19th century America cleared the land to farm it, to build cities, and to otherwise transform the wilderness into a place of habitation, wealth, productivity, and comfort. South Americans should certainly follow the same model for transforming their untamed lands.

Forests are renewable resources. Simply put, trees that are cut for timber grow back. Too, forests in the US and elsewhere are actually growing because agriculture has become so much more efficient (see link below).

As a caution, Amazon developers should follow the US model in setting aside places of great natural wonders (like Yellowstone) as national parks and national forests. It is important to protect indigenous plants and animals from extinction. But these good works can be accomplished with economic development.

Cheers,

Bruce

Latin America needs better education. Better know-how. Better universities. That’s what is needed. Natural resources don’t make anybody rich (except for oil).