This article discusses a new environmental law in Brazil that has been met with strong criticism from ecologists and scientists. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
The Law’s Provisions and Criticisms:
Relaxed Environmental Norms: The law aims to make environmental impact declarations and permit processes more flexible for initiating projects.
“Strategic” Projects: It allows for the authorization of projects with high environmental risks if the government deems them “strategic.”
“Self-Declaration”: In certain specific cases, entrepreneurs can grant themselves permission by filling out an online form, bypassing external evaluation.
Exemptions: Environmental permits are no longer required for road expansions, various agricultural and livestock activities, and building dams for small municipalities or cattle farms.
Weakened Federal Control: Federal control over high-risk works, such as mining, is reduced, while states and municipalities (seen as more vulnerable to corruption) gain more power.
Atlantic Forest Vegetation: The law also relaxes regulations on cutting native vegetation in the Atlantic Forest, a highly threatened biome.
Concerns Raised by Critics:
“law of Devastation”: Ecologists and scientists have labeled it the “law of devastation,” warning of tragic consequences.
Increased conflicts and Legal Insecurity: the Climate Observatory argues that the law will lead to more conflicts and legal uncertainty for businesses, contrary to what its proponents claim.
Return to Unsustainable Advancement: Critics believe it signifies the end of four decades of environmental legislation and a return to an economic model that leads to lack of control, pollution, and death.
Political Context and timing:
Congressional Approval: The law was approved by a large majority in Congress (267 in favor, 116 against).
COP30 Timing: The approval comes just four months before Brazil hosts COP30 in Belém do Pará, in the Amazon. The Lula government intended to showcase Brazil as a leader in climate action and sustainable development at this event.
Mercosur-EU Agreement: the vote also creates uncertainty for the Mercosur-EU trade agreement, as opponents can use the law as an argument against it, citing concerns about products resulting from deforestation and lax environmental standards.
Lula’s Dilemma:
Call for Veto: The brazilian environmental movement is urging president Lula to veto the law entirely, or at least its most problematic parts.
Government’s Stance: The Minister of the Habitat has indicated that the government is considering appealing to the courts,deeming the law unconstitutional.
* Tense Relationship with Congress: The article highlights a strained relationship between Lula and Congress, citing a recent instance were Congress annulled a tax increase approved by the government, leading to a legal battle that Lula ultimately won in part. This suggests a potential power struggle over the environmental law.
In essence, the article portrays a important environmental setback in brazil, approved by Congress despite widespread opposition from the scientific and environmental communities. The timing of this law, just before a major international climate conference hosted by Brazil, adds a layer of irony and potential embarrassment for the Lula governance, which had aimed to project an image of environmental leadership. The president now faces a critical decision on whether to challenge this law, a move that could further escalate tensions with Congress.