Brazil
Brazil is a key frontier in the global struggle against climate change. In the favelas, landslides destroy people’s homes. In the Amazon rainforest, indigenous communities fight against land grabbing and deforestation. The rainforest is crucial for keeping global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius. But right now, the Amazon is very close to the tipping point of irreversible mass tree die-off, which will turn it into a net source of carbon emissions for the planet.
The Amazon rainforest is not only diverse in its biodiversity, but also through its culture and people. The Voices for Just Climate Action network works to amplify these powerful voices. For example, through providing language training to activists or supporting the participation of indigenous leaders at international forums.
“While Indigenous Peoples risk their lives to defend the forest, they are rarely heard from at climate change forums. It’s more than high time to include these vulnerable groups in climate action decision-making.”
Paula Moreira is a program manager of Voices for Just Climate Action in Brazil.
