Thursday, November 15, 2018

Brazil's new foreign minister believes climate change is a Marxist plot

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/nov/15/brazil-foreign-minister-ernesto-araujo-climate-change-marxist-plot

As we have discussed many times in class, Jair Bolsonaro won the presidential election in Brazil, and has now appointed a new foreign minister. Knowing the views Bolsonaro has himself, it's not surprising that this appointee is controversial. Ernesto Araujo believes that climate change is a part of a plot by "cultural Marxists" to stifle western economies and promote the growth of China. Araujo states his goal is to "help Brazil and the world liberate themselves from globalist ideology". He also claims that leftist politicians have "hijacked" environmentalism to serve as a tool for global domination. Brazil has played a big role in the Paris agreement, so whatever this administration decides to do is crucial. However, the executive secretary of the Brazilian Climate Observatory said that climate is one area that Brazil can proudly boast to be a global leader, and he urges the new foreign minister and president not to isolate the country in this field. Hopefully the well being of Brazil's economy and agribusiness is a big enough incentive to continue to care about the climate on a national and global level.

By: Liz Metcalf

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