New Brazil Congress poses risk to environmental legislation, campaign group says
EWZ•A study by climate advocacy group Observatorio do Clima found that 64 of 81 senators and 345 of 511 lower-house lawmakers elected or re-elected have low or very low commitment to environmental issues. The group said proposals to reduce protected areas, allow mining on Indigenous lands and ease environmental licensing may gain momentum.
1. Study rates lawmakers
Observatorio do Clima analyzed bills, legislative proposals, speeches and public statements by new and re-elected lawmakers. It classified 64 senators and 345 lower-house members as having “very low” or “low” commitment to environmental issues.
2. Potential policy changes
The study found the Liberal Party had the weakest environmental credentials among major parties, with all 28 of its newly elected senators classified as having very low commitment to environmental issues. The group said proposals to reduce protected areas, allow mining on Indigenous lands and ease environmental licensing requirements may gain momentum under the new Congress. “This picture points to four years of difficult work for those focused on climate and environmental issues,” said Suely Araujo, the group’s public policy coordinator.
