The presidential elections in Brazil have a significant impact on the future of the environment, particularly the Amazon rainforest. Brazil, which holds the largest portion of the Amazon rainforest, is recognized as a guardian of a vital carbon sink, and its conservation policies are globally important.
Environmental Concerns Over Flávio Bolsonaro's Candidacy
Environmental experts are worried about the lead of Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro, in the first round of the elections. He is leading by a 2% margin over Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the current president. Claudio Angelo, the international policy coordinator at the Climate Observatory, stated, "This would be a return to Bolsonaro, thus a more radical Bolsonaro." He also added that "the only thing protecting us from the end of the Amazon is Lula's re-election."
Read more: Governments are nearing an agreement to reduce dependence on fossil fuels
The Amazon rainforest stores a significant amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) released into the atmosphere from fossil fuels and helps regulate the Earth's climate. However, this forest is suffering greatly from widespread destruction. During Jair Bolsonaro's presidency from 2019 to 2023, environmental agencies were weakened, and enforcement efforts diminished, leading to unprecedented rates of deforestation in tropical forests.
Potential Impact on the Future of the Amazon
During Bolsonaro's four years in office, approximately 45,586 square kilometers of the Amazon were destroyed, an area larger than Denmark. This forest is no longer as resilient as it once was, and scientists warn that some parts are now releasing more carbon than they absorb. Lula came to power with a message of protecting the Amazon. In addition to setting a goal to end deforestation by 2030, he increased oversight of the forest and strengthened Brazil's environmental enforcement agency, IBAMA.
Deforestation under his leadership has significantly decreased and is expected to reach its lowest level in a decade by 2026. This represents a 41% reduction compared to Jair Bolsonaro's term. Experts have also criticized Flávio Bolsonaro's record on forest protection. As a senator in 2019, he proposed a law that could have severe impacts on the Amazon.
Environmental experts have concluded that Bolsonaro's election could negatively affect Brazil's position as a climate leader. He also stated in an interview with Brazilian media in August that severe weather events are cyclical and believes there is no direct connection between them and human impacts.
Ultimately, Brazil's presidential elections will take place on October 25 between Lula and Bolsonaro. While experts believe the outcome could determine the fate of the Amazon and global efforts to reduce global warming, for many Brazilians, environmental issues are not a priority.
Read more: The U.S. Supreme Court is reviewing a significant dispute over World War II munitions in Guam · Thousands of bottles of acetaminophen sold on Amazon have been recalled
