From Mother Jones · Jonathan Watts · · 1m 50s
Flávio Bolsonaro’s election lead threatens Amazon
Flávio Bolsonaro’s lead in Brazil’s election risks Amazon collapse.
In brief
Flávio Bolsonaro’s lead in Brazil’s election risks Amazon collapse. Flávio Bolsonaro’s election lead threatens Amazon deforestation and climate stability. Originally reported by Mother Jones.
Flávio Bolsonaro’s election lead
Flávio Bolsonaro, Brazil’s right-wing senator and Liberal Party presidential candidate, won 47 percent of the vote in the first round of Brazil’s presidential election.
Amazon deforestation at risk
The current administration of Lula has reduced Amazon deforestation by almost 50 percent, but Bolsonaro’s victory would reverse this progress.
Bolsonaro’s environmental record
Flávio Bolsonaro’s father, Jair Bolsonaro, increased Amazon deforestation by 59.5 percent during his four years in power, destroying 2 billion trees.
Bolsonaro’s climate policies
Bolsonaro has backed a 2019 bill to eliminate land conservation requirements in the Amazon and ignored the climate crisis in his manifesto.
Indigenous candidates lose
Out of 57 Indigenous candidates, only two won seats in Brazil’s congress after the election.
Bolsonarist control grows
Bolsonarists now control seven of the nine states in Brazil’s Amazon and could win an eighth in the runoff.
Bolsonarist influence in legislature
Flávio’s brother Carlos and mother-in-law Michelle were elected to the senate, while an uncle and brother won seats in the lower house.
Climate and political risks
The election result threatens Amazon stability, Brazil’s biomes, Indigenous peoples, and global climate stability.
Why voters ignored climate risks
Social media and US-style Pentecostalism are expanding, reducing environmental awareness among voters.
Lula’s challenges
Lula faces weakened unions and farmer subsidies that now support right-wing candidates.
Global implications
Brazil’s election is part of a broader pattern of far-right governments expanding extractivism across the Americas.
What happens next
If Bolsonaro wins, Amazon deforestation and democracy could collapse, with global climate consequences.
The essence
Flávio Bolsonaro’s election lead threatens Amazon deforestation and climate stability.
