New Brazilian Congress Poses Risk to Environmental Laws, Says Study
According to a new study, nearly 70% of elected lawmakers in Brazil have low or no commitment to environmental issues.
A study published by climate advocacy group Observatorio do Clima reveals that a large portion of newly elected members of Brazil's Congress could pose an obstacle to environmental protection laws.
Study Findings
The study conducted by climate advocacy group Observatorio do Clima examined the legislative proposals, speeches, and public statements of newly elected and re-elected lawmakers.
Senate and Chamber of Deputies
According to the study's results, 64 out of 81 members in the Senate and 345 out of 511 deputies in the lower house were placed in the category of having a very low or low history of commitment to environmental issues.
Parties' Environmental Record
The Liberal Party, the party of right-wing Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, was identified as the political organization with the weakest environmental record among major parties.
Status of the Right Wing
Other right-leaning parties such as Novo, Republicanos, Progressistas, and Uniao Brasil were also placed in the category revealing low support for environmental matters.
Concerns in Political Circles
With Congress shifting further to the right, environmental advocates could face a much more challenging political landscape in the upcoming period.
Potential Legislative Dangers
Legislative proposals such as reducing protected areas, allowing mining on indigenous lands, and easing environmental licensing requirements could gain momentum in the new term.