Political situation in Brazil

Reform sparks criticism: Death blow to climate work

The new climate law in Brazil that makes it easier to get environmental permits is receiving strong criticism from climate activists in the country, reports AFP.

The country's climate minister Marina Silva is furious about the decision and her department calls the new reform a "death blow" to climate work. However, proponents of the new reform believe that it will be strategic for companies and projects and contribute to the country's economic growth.

Another critic is the organization Brazilian Institute of Environment, IBAMA. They believe that the new reform is unconstitutional and will challenge it in court.

The organization Climate Observatory is also critical. They warn that the law could lead to projects that "lead to significant climate degradation" being approved.

Controversial climate law voted through in Brazil

Brazil's Congress has voted through a controversial reform that eases the rules for environmental permits, reports AFP.

The new law is seen as a blow to climate work in the country. It means, among other things, that it will be easier for companies and “strategic projects” to obtain environmental permits. But experts say the reform can be exploited and risks leading to an escalation of harmful infrastructure in the Amazon rainforest.