Future of Amazon rainforest policies at stake in Brazilian presidential election
SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil’s upcoming presidential election could reshape the Amazon’s future. Control of the country, which contains about 60% of the rainforest, could pass to Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro. Experts warn a Bolsonaro victory could reverse deforestation-control policies restored by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. During Jair […]
Brazil’s upcoming presidential election could shape the future of the Amazon rainforest. Control of the country, which holds around 60% of the rainforest, may shift to Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro, the son of the former president Jair Bolsonaro. Environmental experts warn that a victory by Flávio Bolsonaro could lead to a reversal of deforestation-control policies implemented by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Under Jair Bolsonaro’s leadership, Amazon deforestation increased by approximately 60%. Lula restored an anti-deforestation plan in 2023, which reduced deforestation by 45%. Flávio Bolsonaro has pledged to end illegal deforestation by 2029, but he has not provided details on how he plans to achieve this goal. There are concerns about a potential weakening of environmental protections under his leadership.
The story by Gabriela Sá Pessoa for the Associated Press highlights the implications of this election on the Amazon's future.
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