Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon increased further in March, making the first 100 days of Lula’s government some of the worst first quarters on record, according to official figures released Friday (April 7).
On Lula’s List in Brazil: Social, Amazon … and a mountain of enemies
The National Institute for Space Research (INPE) satellite monitor has revealed that 356 square kilometers of forest cover were destroyed in a month in the Brazilian part of the world’s largest rainforest. 14% increase compared to March 2022, the last year of the self-proclaimed government of Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2022) “Captain Chainsaw”.
sequel after announcement
From January to March, the destruction of the Brazilian Amazon was the second largest in history, with 844 square kilometers destroyed, behind only in 2022 (941 square kilometers).
“It will take time to change the scenario.”
Hopes were high after Luiz Inácio came to power on January 1 “Lola” da Silva to see the inversion of the deforestation curve in the Amazon. But after years of impunity for those who destroyed the forest, the problem is too entrenched to be fixed quickly, experts say.
“The data shows that there is a complex scenario in the face of weak control in the region and illegal supportive rhetoric in recent years.”Mariana Napolitano, head of conservation at the NGO WWF-Brazil, told AFP. “Although the current government has shown its determination to fight deforestation seriously, it will take time to change the scenario.”she believes.
Brazil: After the dream of victory, the reality of strength is Lula
From the first day of his term, Lula signed a raft of decrees, establishing an interministerial task force on deforestation and revitalizing the Amazon Fund, an initiative funded by foreign donations but suspended under Bolsonaro’s government.
Lula’s government faces a dilemma: it needs financing to reduce deforestation, but above all it must reduce deforestation to give guarantees of confidence and to attract this financing.
