"This new step discredited fines as a tool." As fines have gone uncollected, deforestation of Brazil's Amazon rainforest continued to accelerate. Deforestation surged to a 15-year high in 2021, according to government satellite data.
Environmental fines - which also target infractions such as unauthorized hunting, fishing and pollution - are one of Brazil's key tools for combating illegal deforestation. Signing the decree would be one of the first concrete steps the Bolsonaro government has made to bolster Amazon protections following its commitment to end illegal deforestation by 2028 at the COP26 U.N. climate summit in November.
By Jake Spring SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro could sign a decree as soon as Tuesday to step up fines for environmental crim.
By Jake Spring SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro could sign a decree as soon as Tuesday to step up fines for environmental crim.