The environment is once again on the priority list in Brazil
Deforestation rose 60% under his predecessor, the far-right leader Jair Bolsonaro. But things seem to be changing -- and fast.
by Fermin Koop January 2, 2023
Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, widely known as Lula, was sworn in as Brazil’s new president yesterday, vowing drastic change in the country, including reversing and ending deforestation in the Amazon – the world’s most important rainforest. Lula’s third turn in the presidency starts exactly 20 years after his first inauguration back in 2003.
Image credit: Lula’s presidential office.
In his inauguration speech, Lula pledged to undo the harm caused by the previous government of the former president Jair Bolsonaro, which he said was “inspired by fascism.” Bolsonaro left “terrible ruins” among Brazil’s institutions and “destroyed the protection of the environment”, Lula said, claiming Brazil will now be a climate leader.
This is big news for Brazil, but also for the world.
About two-thirds of the Amazon rainforest, which acts as a carbon sink and regulates the world’s climate, lies on Brazil’s territory. During his time in office, Bolsonaro encouraged the expansion of cattle ranching and stripped back enforcement, causing a 60% rise in deforestation during his government compared to the previous four years. presidential office.
After the swearing-in, Lula drove to the presidential residence, where he walked up its ramp with his wife and a diverse group of people – including an indigenous leader, a young Black boy, a cook and a disabled man. He was then handed the presidential sash, a symbolic act Bolsonaro said he wouldn’t do, by Aline Sousa, a Black garbage collector.
Tens of thousands gathered to celebrate as Lula wiped away tears. In his speech from the palace, he pledged to unite a polarized country and govern for all Brazilians. “There are not two Brazils. We are one country, one great nation,” Lula said. He vowed to narrow inequality, improve the rights of women, attack racism and be fiscally prudent. However, the most striking change of direction was the environment.
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More:
https://www.zmescience.com/science/the-environment-is-once-again-on-the-priority-list-in-brazil/
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