The Daily

Why the Amazon Is Burning

Aug 28, 2019

Ernesto Londoño, Brazil bureau chief for The New York Times, offers a gripping look into the escalating fires in the Amazon rainforest. He discusses the Brazilian government's refusal to accept international criticism and the harsh reality of economic pressures driving deforestation. Londoño also delves into the historical context behind the crisis and contrasts nationalist agendas with global conservation challenges. His insights reveal how the fate of the Amazon is intertwined with Brazil’s struggle for sovereignty and environmental justice.

23:48

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Episode guests

Ernesto Londoño

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Episode notes

Intro

2min

Fires and Challenges in the Amazon

7min

The Cycle of Deforestation and Economic Struggles in Brazil

2min

The Intersection of Energy, Journalism, and Environmental Policy

2min

Deforestation and Sovereignty: The Amazon Crisis

13min

More than 26,000 fires have been recorded inside the Amazon rainforest in August alone, leading to global calls for action. But Brazil’s government has told the rest of the world to mind its own business. Guest: Ernesto Londoño, the Brazil bureau chief for The New York Times. For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily.

Background coverage:

Brazil began a military operation to battle the fires after European leaders threatened to cancel a trade deal and calls to boycott Brazilian products spread on social media.
In many parts of Brazil, there is strong support for President Jair Bolsonaro’s Amazon policy, which prioritizes economic development over environmental protections.
Here’s what we know about the fires.

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