Brazil got a new president! And though we are not really into politics, but this is something that we may want to pay attention to. There is no other reason for paying attention to this, but to make sure that his promise is fulfilled.
Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva sworn that he wants to turn Brazil into one of the world’s biggest producers for foods but in a greener way. He called it as turning Brazil into a ‘green superpower’. Such a pretty ambitious project, yet must be worth it.
It looks pretty contrast compared to how previous president of Brazil Jair Bolsonaro which was said to be ‘holding back’ from protecting the environment. his time in the office was not so impressive in term of protection for amazon rainforest and indigenous people.
So how will president Lula make sure that his mission is on the track?
Lula’s Pledge for Brazil
Lula’s commitment to save Brazil’s environment and turn the country into one green superpower was first sounded at the COP27 in November. He pledged to reduce deforestation of Amazon rainforest into zero.
“There is no climate security for the world without a protected Amazon,” he said at the climate conference, adding that Brazil will “do whatever it takes to have zero deforestation and degradation of our biomes,” he stated.
He also added that the fight against climate change would be his priority, even the highest priority, especially when it comes to fighting deforestation. He said that the previous government has dealt with climate change badly and he pledged to fix that problem.
In addition to that, he also planned to set up a ministry of indigenous people so that they can now have the voice of their own. Of course, this mission received warm welcome from world leaders attending the COP27.
“We look forward to continuing the strong US-Brazil partnership in trade, security, sustainability, innovation, and inclusion,” as stated by United States of America’s president Joe Biden. Same sounding was also made by King Charles of England saying he was encouraged with the mission.
Protecting Amazon for Brazil
As mentioned above, one of the methods that Lula is going to utilize is by bringing more protection to Amazon rainforest in Brazil’s area. This is an important point to be brought up because the rainforest plays important part in Brazil’s war against climate change.
“There are a number of reasons why this deforestation matters – financial, environmental and social,” said Washington University in St. Louis data scientist Liberty Vittert. Her study pointed out that the effect will not only impact the forest itself but at wider range of spectrum.
Even though the forest is known to be one of the most fertile lands on the continent, but that should not make it a place of choice to open up new farmlands. Amazon rainforest is the home of wildlife and freshwater producer for the whole continent.
“The farmers, commercial interest groups and others looking for cheap land all have a clear vested interest in deforestation going ahead, but any possible short-term gain is clearly outweighed by long-term loss,” said VIttert.
Amazon deforestation is closely related to the opening up of new farmlands whether it is for palm oil plantation, soya plantation, and cattle ranches. The number is eerie. Since 2010 to 2019 alone, around 62,000 square kilometers of the land had been converted.
Brazil’s Indigenous People’s Home
Amazon rainforest is also known to be the home of Brazil’s indigenous people’s home. They are the most righteous resident of the area, ironically, they are also the most threatened ones when modern development of infrastructure is done there.
In example, building new roads in the or through the Amazon rainforest brings wildfire threats to the area. Geographer at University of Richmond, David Salisbury, pointed this out in his paper about existential threats to Brazil’s Amazon rainforest indigenous community.
“[They] understand that the loggers and their tractors and chainsaws are the sharp point of a road allowing coca growers, land traffickers and others access to traditional Indigenous territories and resources,” as written in the report.
The indigenous people also seem to understand that they cannot do much except defending with all their strength to keep their legacy alive. “They also realize that their Indigenous communities may be all that stands in defense of the forest and stops invaders and road builders.”
With the election of new Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, it is hoped that all those things that matter would be kept matter. One concrete action that he has taken is to unfrozen billion-dollar funds financed by Germany and Norway for the Amazon rainforest.
Criminal
Another thing that should be noted is how the deforestation and destruction of Amazon rainforest is related to criminal activities. One of the most vicious examples is how drug traffickers deforest the rainforest to build its safe hideout.
It might be related to another crime which is money laundering. “Large, lucrative industries offer opportunities to move and launder money; as a result, in many parts of the world, deforestation is driven by the drug trade,” as reported by Texas State University geographer Jennifer Devine.
Instead of nurturing the criminal activities, Amazon rainforest should be useful and beneficial for the majority of people. “Making the supply chains for these four commodities more sustainable is an important strategy for reducing deforestation,” Devine stated.
“Promoting sustainable production and consumption are critical to halting deforestation worldwide. But in my view, national and industry leaders also have to root organized crime and illicit markets out of these commodity chains,” Devine continued.
Protecting Amazon rainforest is more than protecting ancient trees standing tall in the area. It is also about sustaining the lives of indigenous people, rare and endangered wildlife, also keeping our hopes alive to fight climate change.
Brazil’s new sworn president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has pledged that his reign will be different from his predecessor. While it may still long before we can witness the real action and its result, it is our job to guide the promise and make sure that the good things actually happen.
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