Brazil’s new Environment Minister, Marina Silva has announced the creation of an extraordinary secretary to end deforestation and plans to set up a climate authority within the administration of President Lula da Silva.
Silva, who made the announcement on Wednesday, noted that the country would not shy away from playing a leading role in addressing climate change and the impending emergency the world is facing.
According to her, restoring Brazil’s prominent role as an environmental leader will help the South American trade bloc Mercosur conclude its free trade deal with the European Union, which had been held up by concerns over uncontrolled Amazon deforestation.
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The minister also announced the creation of a green economy department in her ministry but said the transition to a low-carbon economy would not happen overnight.
Lula assumed office on Sunday, with a promise to halt deforestation in the Amazon, a crucial biome for reducing climate change. He swiftly overturned the policies of his far-right predecessor Jair Bolsonaro, who had weakened environmental protection and enabled deforestation rates to reach a 15-year high during his tenure.
Story was adapted from Reuters.
