Amazon summit nations will face differences on drilling, deforestation
NBCAug 02, 2023
The Facts
South American leaders from the eight Amazon rainforest countries gathered in Belem, Brazil on Tuesday for the first time in 14 years to discuss issues facing the region and to reach a broad agreement on topics such as deforestation and the financing of sustainable development.
Five national leaders from the eight-member Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO) attended the summit, including host Pres. Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Bolivia’s Luis Arce, Colombia’s Gustavo Petro, Guyana’s Mark Phillips, and Peru's Dina Boluarte.
The Spin
Left narrative
Lula da Silva is taking the initiative needed to save the Amazon and protect a precious ecosystem that is indispensable to the entire world. While his predecessor destroyed the Amazon with little regard for the environment in the pursuit of economic gain, Lula understands the urgency of the climate crisis. Lula’s leadership skills are shining as he looks to get other countries on board with a plan to stop deforestation by 2030 and end the exploitation of Amazon resources.
Right narrative
Lula never misses out on an opportunity to grandstand and politicize a serious topic. He may pitch ambitious goals that seem noble at first, but the truth is Lula lacks a plan and vision to execute his message. While he may get praise for pitching net zero deforestation within seven years, he has yet to show how that can be done in a way that honors land rights and doesn’t completely destroy economic development.
