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.
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Keiko's plight
- After "Free Willy" became a hit, people discovered Keiko lived in a small pool.
- Fans demanded his release, sparking a campaign and documentary "The Good Whale".
Shifting views of the Amazon
- The Amazon rainforest has always captured people's imagination, once seen as mysterious and dangerous.
- In the 1970s, Brazil's government started developing the Amazon for economic reasons.
International concern and Brazilian skepticism
- The "Save the Rainforest" campaign gained global traction, raising awareness about deforestation.
- Some Brazilians viewed this concern with skepticism, seeing it as an attempt to hinder Brazil's development.