<![CDATA[Grist - Comment Feed for Brazil unveils plan to slow deforestation and soy cultivation in Amazon]]> Grist Comment Feed en Comment #1 by jdhlax http://www.grist.org/article/BrazilAmazon/ Sat, 26 Jan 2008 02:10:23 -0800 http://www.grist.org/article/BrazilAmazon/1 Half Assed Solutions

Notice that the plans only aim to slow the destruction of the rainforests, not stop it.  While I would have loved to support him because I thought he would be a big improvement for impoverished Brazilians, Lula has proven to just be another anti-environmental national leader who thinks that money and business is more important than the environment.

Humans have destroyed most of the forests on the planet.  What's so hard to understand about trying to save ALL of what little is left?

]]> Half Assed Solutions

Notice that the plans only aim to slow the destruction of the rainforests, not stop it.  While I would have loved to support him because I thought he would be a big improvement for impoverished Brazilians, Lula has proven to just be another anti-environmental national leader who thinks that money and business is more important than the environment.

Humans have destroyed most of the forests on the planet.  What's so hard to understand about trying to save ALL of what little is left?

]]> Comment #2 by raz http://www.grist.org/article/BrazilAmazon/ Sun, 27 Jan 2008 13:47:13 -0800 http://www.grist.org/article/BrazilAmazon/2 add some carrots to the sticks

I think that thev Brazilian government's plan is good, but I am not sure how well it can fight the economic incentives that drives the massive deforestation we see now. I think that another step to be taken is to give a counter-incentive to keep these trees alive. If local governments and municipalities will be paid to protect these trees, then they have an economic value as live trees. If this value will be high enough, then it will be worthwhile to keep them alive.

I think the measures should be based on the stick and the carrot both and not only rely on the stick. Give local communities the carrot and I promise you that you will see deforestation figures decrease again.

I also think it shouldn't be the sole responsibility of the Brazilian government to take care of it. The Brazilian rain forest is called "the lungs of the world" for its ability to consume greenhouse gases and produce oxygen, and hence I believe the world should chip in.

Just last week I wrote on our blog on Norway's announcement on its willingness to contribute about $500 million a year to projects aimed at protecting forests in developing countries. I think this kind of funding (and of course other countries should contribute as well) can make some good in Brazil and help Lula protect this precious natural resource.

Raz Godelnik
Eco-Libris
http://www.ecolibris.net



]]> add some carrots to the sticks

I think that thev Brazilian government's plan is good, but I am not sure how well it can fight the economic incentives that drives the massive deforestation we see now. I think that another step to be taken is to give a counter-incentive to keep these trees alive. If local governments and municipalities will be paid to protect these trees, then they have an economic value as live trees. If this value will be high enough, then it will be worthwhile to keep them alive.

I think the measures should be based on the stick and the carrot both and not only rely on the stick. Give local communities the carrot and I promise you that you will see deforestation figures decrease again.

I also think it shouldn't be the sole responsibility of the Brazilian government to take care of it. The Brazilian rain forest is called "the lungs of the world" for its ability to consume greenhouse gases and produce oxygen, and hence I believe the world should chip in.

Just last week I wrote on our blog on Norway's announcement on its willingness to contribute about $500 million a year to projects aimed at protecting forests in developing countries. I think this kind of funding (and of course other countries should contribute as well) can make some good in Brazil and help Lula protect this precious natural resource.

Raz Godelnik
Eco-Libris
http://www.ecolibris.net



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