The president of Brazil is firing back at proposed help in fighting wildfires decimating the Amazon, saying the G7 is treating them like a colony.
The Group of Seven countries have pledged $20-million in firefighting aid, along with Canada putting forward $15-million along with the use of Canadian water bombers.
But President Jair Bolsonaro says it is an attack on Brazil’s sovereignty, and that offers of help are a trick.
The Amazon rainforest produces upwards of 20 per cent of Earth’s oxygen, however the Bolsonaro government has removed protections to make way for more farm land, precipitating the fires which are now out of control.
(Fire activity detections across Brazil, as captured by NASA’s Terra and Aqua MODIS. Image courtesy NASA.)
Earlier Story
The Federal Government is putting forward $15-million and the use of Canadian water bombers to help fight wildfires currently raging in the Amazon rainforest.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed the relief contribution today at the end of the G7 leaders’ summit. He says the toll of human activity and extreme weather events will continue to worsen, along with health and the environment, unless decisive action is taken.
Fires have been raging across the rainforest, often referred to as the ‘lungs of the Earth,’ blanketing much of Brazil and nearby countries with heavy smoke and ash.
Trudeau says Minister Christia Freeland has reached out to the government of Brazil, to offer further assistance to stop the ongoing crisis.
The G7 also committed $20-million USD to help countries fight the fires, as well as lay the groundwork for a long-term initiative to protect the rainforest.
