Strongmen like Trump would destroy the planet out of pure spite – and Brazil shows we’re all in peril | George Monbiot
Summary
The article discusses environmental destruction caused by political leaders like President Donald Trump and former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro. It highlights Brazil's recent progress in reducing deforestation, which could improve if current president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is re-elected, while warning that some leaders intentionally harm the environment to hurt their opponents.Key Facts
- Since 2015, global deforestation rates have decreased, partly because of China and Brazil.
- Brazilian Amazon deforestation is now one-sixth of the level recorded in 1988.
- In the past four years, Brazil’s deforestation rate fell by 71% due to government policies.
- If Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva wins the upcoming election, Brazil could achieve zero deforestation by 2030.
- President Donald Trump removed protections for public lands and weakened environmental laws in the US.
- These actions are partly influenced by industries like logging, mining, and ranching.
- Jair Bolsonaro, former president of Brazil, oversaw a 59% rise in deforestation and increased violence against Indigenous people and environmental defenders.
- The article argues some political leaders destroy nature to attack those who care about the environment and social justice.
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