On Friday, the European leader criticized Brazil on a large number of fires in the Amazon rainforest. European leader further threatened to abandon trade deals with South America amid growing concerns on Amazon rainforest fire. The growing fire in Amazon has created an environmental crisis. After facing strong criticism, Brazil’s President Bolsonaro announced sending troops to contain the fire in the Amazon rainforest. While his diplomatic team has also started efforts to mend ties with foreign countries. The fires in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest increased to 80 percent this year. Climate experts have warned the worsening of the situation.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced discussing Amazon fire in the G-7 summit. France and Ireland threatened to cancel trade deal with Brazil over later’s inaction on Amazon fire. While protests have been started against Brazil in various parts of the world. Massive protests are reported in Lima, Mexico City, Paris, and London. Protesters claim that the Amazon rainforest belongs to Earth, not to Brazil only.
Brazilian President previously blamed nongovernmental organizations for the fire. But in his recent address, he claimed that dry weather was responsible for the increasing fire incidents. Bolsonaro’s administration also argues that the economic development of Amazon is required to improve the lives of 20 million inhabitants.
Environment scientist believes that more agriculture and mining are the cause of deforestation. Various polls in Brazil indicate that Brazilians are not happy with the anti-environment policies of Bolsonaro. After Bolsonaro’s speech protests erupted in Brazil. People say economic development should not be made on the cost of the environment.
American President assured Bolsonaro for help in dealing with wildfire. While Frech President appealed world leader to sign a charter of biodiversity in the G-7 summit. He termed the Amazon fire as “ecocide”. British Prime Minister Borish Johnson called Amazon fire as an international crisis. British Prime Minister assured that he would call for more strong pro-nature policies in the G-7 summit in France.
While Ireland says that it will not favor the EU-Mercosur trade deal if Brazil fails to fulfill its environmental responsibilities. The EU-Mercosur deal was signed after 20 years of negotiations. Brazilan business experts claim that deteriorating environmental conditions can undermine Brazil’s efforts to join the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD).
After facing strong criticism from the International community, the Brazilian government has circulated a 12-page report to the foreign embassies. This report was exclusively seen by Reuters. Reuter sources claim that this report contains statistics defending the government’s environmental policies.
Brazil’s agriculture minister Tereza Cristina Dias says that Brazil is taking care of the Amazon rainforest and the world should support Brazilian efforts to counter the Amazon fire. He further argues that Amazon is important for Brazil and the world, and Brazil is doing enough to protect this natural asset.
Environmentalists opine that increased agricultural activities are responsible for the rising number of fires this year. Meanwhile, Bolsonaro claims that Brazil should explore Amazon for economic activities. On Thursday Bolsonaro admitted that farmers may be behind the fire but he also criticized foreign outrage.
Protesting against the Brazilian response, Norway and some other big donors stopped its funding to the Amazon fund. The Amazon fund was designed to protect the naturality of the Amazon rainforest. While Bolsonaro claims that these countries were sending this money to interfere in Brazil’s internal affairs.
Environmental activists demand sanctions on the Brazilian government over its inaction and irresponsible response on Amazon rainforest fire. Immediate actions and effective policies are required to prevent the fire in the future. Brazil should realize that the Amazon rainforest is necessary to maintain a healthy climate for the world. A protected Amazon rainforest will be beneficial for both the world and Brazil.
