Final answer:
The primary cause of environmental changes in the Amazon rainforest since 1978 is deforestation, primarily driven by logging, agriculture, and mining.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary cause of environmental changes in the Amazon rainforest since 1978 is deforestation, primarily driven by logging, agriculture, and mining. Deforestation for cattle ranching and farming has increased, with many poor settlers seeking employment or land. The expanding development activities in the Amazon basin have boosted the region's economy but raised concerns about environmental preservation.
Deforestation in the Amazon has led to habitat destruction, decline in biodiversity, and pollution. It has caused the loss of Indigenous peoples' homes and livelihoods. The exploitation of natural resources, such as oil and gas extraction, mining, and gold mining, has further contributed to environmental degradation and pollution in the region.
Overall, the primary drivers behind the environmental impact observed in the Amazon rainforest since 1978 are logging, agriculture, and mining, driven by factors like cattle ranching, farming, oil and gas extraction, and gold mining.