Brazil rejected $20 million G-7 Aid Package, yes you read right!
Brazil has rejected $20 million in aid that the G-7 nations have pledged to help battle the raging Amazon rainforest fires, a government official said.
“We appreciate [the offer], but maybe those resources are more relevant to reforest Europe,” Onyx Lorenzoni, chief of staff to President Jair Bolsonaro, told Brazilian news website G1.
“[French President Emmanuel] Macron cannot even avoid a foreseeable fire in a church that is a world heritage site,” Onyx continued, referencing the massive April fire that ravished the Notre-Dame cathedral. “What does he intend to teach our country?”
Macron announced the funds along with Chilean President Sebastián Piñera on Monday during the gathering at the French seaside town of Biarritz.
Macron calls the Amazon the “lungs” of the planet, adding that leaders were also weighing the possibility of providing similar support to Africa. Which it has also been struggling with rain forest fires. Initially, Brazilian environment minister Ricardo Salles told reporters the country welcomes the funding to battle the fires.
But, that perspective changed quickly after a meeting between President Jair Bolsonaro.
“Brazil is a democratic, free nation that never had colonialist…”
“…and imperialist practices, as perhaps is the objective of the Frenchman Macron,” Lorenzoni said.
Sixty percent of the massive Amazon rainforest is in Brazil.
But, it also spreads over parts of eight other countries or territories.
Also, including the French overseas territory of Guiana on the northeast coast of South America.
Bolsonaro, known for his skeptical view on climate change, has been slammed for his delayed response to the fires.
The debate over the fires has also inflamed tensions between Bolsonaro and Macron.
By the weekend, Brazilian warplanes were out in full force, dumping thousands of gallons of water on the smoldering areas.
Why is it a debate whether or not the fires should be put out? This is not just a brazil need, this is a world need.
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Featured Image: Tree Hugger
