BRASILIA — A study released by climate advocacy group Observatorio do Clima warns that Brazil’s newly elected Congress may become a significant obstacle to environmental protection efforts. The analysis, which examined bills, legislative proposals, speeches and public statements, found that almost 70% of lawmakers displayed little or no commitment to environmental issues.
Legislative Track Record Shows Low Commitment
The research evaluated the voting and public record of both chambers. In the Senate, 64 of the 81 members were classified as having a “very low” or “low” commitment to environmental causes. In the Chamber of Deputies, 345 of 511 representatives fell into the same category.
Right‑leaning Parties Lead the Low‑Commitment Scores
The Liberal Party, which includes right‑wing Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, received the weakest environmental credentials among major parties. All 28 Liberal Party senators elected on Sunday, as well as the party’s newly elected deputies, were placed in the low‑commitment group. Other right‑leaning parties—Novo, Republicanos, Progressistas and União Brasil—also scored poorly on environmental support.
Potential Policy Shifts
Observatorio do Clima cautioned that proposals aimed at reducing protected areas, permitting mining on Indigenous lands and easing environmental licensing requirements could gain momentum under the new Congress. The group’s public policy coordinator, Suely Araújo, described the outlook as “four years of difficult work for those focused on climate and environmental issues.”
Political Context
The study arrives as Brazil heads into a runoff presidential election later this month, where former President Jair Bolsonaro is set to face incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro’s past statements on climate change have drawn international concern, and his potential return to the presidency could further shape the legislative environment.
Responses from Parties
Reuters reached out to the parties mentioned in the report for comment but did not receive responses.
While the findings highlight a challenging landscape for environmental advocates, they also provide a clear picture of where legislative support currently lies, allowing stakeholders to focus their outreach and advocacy strategies accordingly.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
