Tropical deforestation accounts for up to a fifth of greenhouse gas emissions, more than all the world?s airplanes, trains and cars. It has led Brazil to become the world?s fourth worst climate polluter and means that runaway climate change cannot be averted unless deforestation is stopped.
The UN Climate Summit in Copenhagen is rapidly approaching; it?s time for Heads of State to commit to taking personal responsibility for showing up to the meeting and ensure an effective deal to avert the climate crisis. As part of the deal, President Lula must commit to stopping Amazon deforestation by 2015 and developed countries must provide the financial backing his government needs to effectively monitor and govern the rainforest. In addition, funds are required for the millions of people who depend on the forest to develop new conservation minded industries that do not involve cutting the rainforest down.