If you’re having trouble understanding this logic, you’re not alone. These are baseless ravings of a hubristic leader who continues to put his personal ideology ahead of facts and what’s best for those he is supposed to serve. It’s that same hubris that led him to reject the $22 million in aid the G7 nations recently offered to help fight the fires.
In addition to environmental protection, Bolsonaro has also been a vocal opponent of progressive policies like same-sex marriage, affirmative action and gender equality.
Pressure on Bolsonaro to act continues to mount across the globe. Global brands like Timberland and Vans are boycotting Brazilian goods. European leaders said they “might walk away from a trade deal struck in June.” If he’s not careful, Bolsonaro could manufacture an economic downturn in addition to his environmental crisis.
Bolsonaro—and Brazil—are at a crossroads. He can continue the dangerous path he started when he was elected, or he can embrace science, facts and the international community.
In the meantime, the world cannot wait for him to act. The stakes are too high.
The International Planned Parenthood Federation/Western Hemisphere Region is supporting our partners in Brazil to run campaigns, inform and mobilize marginalized groups, advocate and, when necessary, litigate. Together, we will empower indigenous Brazilians and effect change in not only this reckless government but also the entire world.
Debora Diniz is the deputy director of the International Planned Parenthood Federation/Western Hemisphere Region.
Giselle Carino is the CEO and regional director of the International Planned Parenthood Federation/Western Hemisphere Region.
The views expressed in this article are the writer’s own.
