How Bolsonaro's statements destroyed the rainforest
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro contributed to deforestation through statements opposing forest conservation, according to an international study led by the University of Bonn. The study found that destruction of the Amazon rainforest accelerated when Bolsonaro and his ministers posted messages opposing forest conservation on Twitter. Brazil's environmental authorities were greatly…
An international study led by the University of Bonn has found that former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's statements opposing forest conservation played a significant role in accelerating deforestation of the Amazon rainforest. The research, published in The Journal of Politics, reveals that destruction of the Amazon rainforest increased when Bolsonaro and his ministers posted messages opposing forest conservation on Twitter.
The study estimates that Bolsonaro's statements contributed to the destruction of up to 1,700 square kilometers (660 square miles) of forest—almost double the size of Berlin. The researchers suggest that even a perceived low risk of punishment was a driving factor in deforestation during Bolsonaro's presidency, as Brazil's environmental authorities were weakened during his rule.
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