Striking a balance between environmental protection and agribusiness interests has been a long-standing challenge for the government in Brazil, a country which is both home to two-thirds of the Amazon rainforest and one of the world’s largest agricultural producers. President Jair Bolsonaro has made no secret of his intention to favour the latter, as he and his government push for measures which weaken environmental safeguards to the benefit of the country’s farming sector. This follows a trend begun under former president Michel Temer (2016-2019), during whose term Brazil’s environmental record worsened and the power of the already influential agribusiness lobby increased. However, amidst growing calls worldwide to contain climate change and address the global environmental crisis, Bolsonaro’s approach is coming under increased scrutiny and criticism both at home and abroad. End of preview - This article contains approximately 1365 words.
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