More of the Amazon at risk
 

Slash and burn: Brazil shreds laws protecting its rainforests - Nature, Environment - The Independent


:'(

Petition here: Avaaz - Hours left to save our forests!

I'm getting old signing these petitions...

This is a very delicate situation for Brazil. Not long ago, the reports of increased deforestation made the Environment Minister call for a Crisis Cabinet. IIRC, Rousseff was also instructing the Brazilian Army to take part in this matter (to stop the indiscriminate deforestation). Unfortunately, the new laws are being interpreted as an "amnesty", in that way, farmers will try to expand their lands. But there's good news, Rousseff promised she will veto any law containing amnesty clauses.

Petitions just don't work, the only language governments understand is violence. I get the impression too few people care enough to put their foot down and say no to the decision :(

There's a more effective language than violence in this case: $$$$.

You sell your soul either way though.

In your opinion. For me, ends justify the means. Every time.

I agree. Don't get me wrong, "forceful" means of stopping this could be justified, even if they are considered evil means. I firmly believe in necessary evil, I just don't like committing them, but I will if forced to.

Well I suppose it's our only option now anyway. The government is like an animal with no eyes and no ears. To get it's attention, you have to give it a push.

It depends on what kind of government one is dealing with. Usually, a corrupt government will stop any action if there's enough money for the "leader" as a gift. A dictator would see no limits to its force and would kill anyone who stands on its way. There are those which act as Law mandates (usually, those are the worst in this case) and there are the puppets which will do anything commanded to them. There are governments that are moderate with action and would consider all critics before making a decision. Controversy is everywhere and I haven't seen any news of Brazil, especially of this lately.