Deforestation in the Amazon has dropped 34%, reversing trend under Bolsonaro
NBCAPR 2023
After four years of rising destruction in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest, action against deforestation has finally taken effect under Lula. This is good news for everyone, given that two-thirds of the world's rainforests are located in Brazil — covering an area twice the size of India. The Amazon's future is integral to humanity, holding tremendous stores of carbon and serving as a crucial buffer against climate change.
If Lula is to fulfill his green promises, he needs to stop showing loyalty to the state oil company and agribusiness. Oil and agriculture are increasingly important for the country, and lobbyists command sizeable power in both houses of Congress. Part of the agriculture sector’s expansion happened under Lula’s first two administrations as trade with China continues to accelerate. There are concerning entanglements here.