Brazil’s Environment Minister Marina Silva has voiced strong criticism regarding tariffs imposed on her country by former US President Donald Trump and the alleged involvement of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.
In an interview, Silva accused Bolsonaro, his party and family of collaborating with the US government in an attempt to evade accountability for alleged wrongdoing. She characterized Trump’s intervention as a breach of Brazil’s sovereign legal processes, citing the separation of powers within the country.
Silva specifically questioned the appropriateness of demands to halt proceedings against Bolsonaro, allegedly coupled with threats of a 50 percent tariff on Brazilian goods. She described the situation as “unforgivable” accusing Bolsonaro of supporting and orchestrating what she termed economic coercion by the United States.
The Minister also lamented the US withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, stating it places a disproportionate burden on other nations. Looking ahead to the COP30 climate conference hosted by Brazil later this year, Silva argued that the US departure necessitates increased efforts from nations like Brazil, the European Union, the United Kingdom, South Africa, China and India to lead a collective response. “We have to do our part, because we are not suicidal” she stated.
Silva emphasized that COP30 must be a conference dedicated to implementing existing climate commitments. She referenced the agreements reached at the COP28 conference in Dubai, including limitations on global warming to 1.5°C, funding mechanisms for implementation, tripling of renewable energy capacity and halting deforestation.
Responding to criticism regarding President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s support for oil exploration near the Amazon Delta, Silva asserted that her President remains committed to environmental protection, referencing his pledge to eliminate deforestation by 2030.
Silva also indicated that she is working to amend a recently passed law that streamlines environmental licensing. She stated that President Lula has tasked her with developing alternative proposals to address concerns that the legislation could jeopardize Brazil’s national and international climate commitments.
