Brazil's Bolsonaro plans to axe environmental panel that protects Amazon rainforest

[Judi Lynn]

President wants to replace expert independent body with small group of political appointees

Mauricio Savarese,
Conrad Duncan
2 hours ago

Jair Bolsonaro’s administration is considering axing an independent panel for Brazil’s environmental policy in a move that activists warn could lead to increased deforestation, documents have revealed.

Brazil’s president proposed creating a “government council” of political appointees to replace the National Council of the Environment (known as Conama), which has almost 100 members, including representatives of independent environmental and business groups.

Conama helps protect the 60 per cent of the Amazon rainforest that is in Brazil, which scientists see as crucial for efforts to slow global warming.

. . .

As a congressman and candidate, Mr Bolsonaro often questioned the reality of climate change and cast environmental groups as foreign-influenced meddlers restraining Brazil’s economic growth by holding back mining and agriculture.

More:
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/bolsonaro-brazil-deforestation-amazon-rainforest-a8860311.html

[IndyOp]

1. We knew this was coming. It was part of Bolsonaro's platform. The rise...

of nationalist leaders around the world, determined to suck out every cent of profit they can make before the collapse of... everything.

[Judi Lynn]

2. So horrible it doesn't even seem possible, yet, just like a nightmare. n/t