Amazon rainforest fires: global leaders urged to divert Brazil from 'suicide' path

[Mike 03]

International pressure may be the only way to stop the Brazilian government from taking a “suicide” path in the Amazon, one of the country’s most respected scientists has said, as the world’s biggest rainforest continues to be ravaged by thousands of deliberate fires.

The large number of conflagrations – set illegally to clear and prepare land for crops, cattle and property speculation – has prompted the state of Amazonas to declare an emergency, created giant smoke clouds that have drifted hundreds of miles, and sparked international concerns about the destruction of an essential carbon sink.

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“People are scared. The hospitals are full of people with respiratory diseases. In 60 years, this is the first time I feel difficulty breathing,” said Ivaneide Bandeira Cardozo, the coordinator of the environmental organisation Kanindé. “It’s a thousand times worse than in other years."

“Bad farmers think they can commit all kinds of illegality because they will suffer no punishment … It seems Brazil has no law, that all the laws are in tatters.”

More at link: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/aug/23/amazon-fires-global-leaders-urged-divert-brazil-suicide-path


If many citizens are affected adversely by these fires, they could also put pressure on their politicians. Also, the costs of these fires, in medical costs and lost tourism and productivity, could be tremendous.

[eppur_se_muova]

1. More like murder-suicide -- they're taking everyone with them. nt

[Duppers]

3. Exactly! nt

[Eugene]

2. Bolsonaro now says Brazil lacks the resources to fight the fires BUT outsiders should not interfere.

Brazil has the sovereign right to destroy itself.

As Amazon burns, Brazil's Bolsonaro tells rest of world not to interfere (Reuters)

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-brazil-politics/as-amazon-burns-brazils-bolsonaro-tells-rest-of-world-not-to-interfere-idUSKCN1VC1AT