FOREST AT RISK
- Firefighters’ lobby holds up action
A bill to combat forest fires has been watered down in the Senate by amendments that increase the power of firefighters and limit the actions of environmental agencies. (Agência Pública) - Fires threaten gains in fight against deforestation
Scientists warn that the carbon dioxide emitted by intense fires in the Amazon region has destroyed the forest’s role as a sink for greenhouse gases. (Observatório do Clima) - Brazil is world’s 2nd deadliest country for environmentalists
With 34 murders in 2022, the country is second only to Colombia, according to the watchdog NGO Global Witness. In the view of specialists, the government needs to signal that land invasion and the destruction of natural resources will not be tolerated. (Jornal da USP) - Mega-refinery in Pará linked to illegal gold trade
A company capable of refining up to 50 tons of gold a year, which is worth15 billion reais, includes among its partners individuals who have been investigated and convicted of illegal trading of gold ore. (Repórter Brasil)
CLIMATE EMERGENCY
- Severe fall in Amazonas river levels
MapBiomas shows the lowest water surface area in the state since 2018. The impact on the biodiversity of rivers, lakes and wetlands is significant. (Envolverde) - Rock carvings reappear in Manaus as drought hits
Images of human faces submerged in the Rio Negro have become visible due to falling water levels. The petroglyphs at the Lajes site are between 1,000 and 2,000 years old. (Amazônia Real)
As the Rio Negro has dried up, ancient petroglyphs (carvings made on rocks) that were underwater have been found at the Lajes archaeological site in the municipality of Manaus, in the state of Amazonas. Photos: Valter Calheiros
PROTECTING INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
- Children’s literature can open window on indigenous culture
The princesses and teddy bears that are found in children’s stories belong to the ‘colonizers’ universe and can be replaced by anteaters and jaguars, says the writer Rita Carelli in a podcast. (Amazônia Latitude) - ‘Ferrogrão’ railroad plan threatens women and children
The railroad project to link Mato Grosso to Pará will allow the invasion and deforestation of Kayapó territories by gold miners, warns indigenous leader Panh Ô Kayapó. (InfoAmazonia) - Interactive map shows threats to uncontacted peoples
Online tool can help agencies implement more effective protective actions against disease and environmental destruction. (Mongabay)
Fact-checker: Plínio Lopes
Proofreader (Portuguese): Valquíria Della Pozza
Spanish translation: Julieta Sueldo Boedo
English translation: Mark Murray
Photo Editor: Lela Beltrão
Layout and finishing: Érica Saboya
Editors: Malu Delgado (news and content), Viviane Zandonadi (editorial workflow and copy editing), and Talita Bedinelli (coordination)
Director: Eliane Brum
Proofreader (Portuguese): Valquíria Della Pozza
Spanish translation: Julieta Sueldo Boedo
English translation: Mark Murray
Photo Editor: Lela Beltrão
Layout and finishing: Érica Saboya
Editors: Malu Delgado (news and content), Viviane Zandonadi (editorial workflow and copy editing), and Talita Bedinelli (coordination)
Director: Eliane Brum
