EDHS Contemporary World Affairs

Jamina · Veteran Member

The Hawk Factor: Countries Pledge to End Forest Loss; Brazil Balks

Sami_THECREATOR · Veteran Member

Brazil probably doesn't want in on the plan because Brazil doesn't want to sacrifice economic progress for its forests. Brazil is a relatively poor country and is in need of a stable form of industry, lumber business is stable and any attempt to slow deforestation will meet strong opposition in Brazil. Obviously, we know that they should end deforestation, but Brazil just can't afford it right now.

-- Edited by Sami_THECREATOR on Wednesday 24th of September 2014 06:07:16 PM

Mary Williams · Veteran Member

I agree with Sami. I do not think that Brazil isn't joining because they do not WANT to. I just believe that they cannot afford to stop at the moment. Hopefully, one day soon, they will.

danieldeassis · Member

Brasil is already im economic fatigue due to the world cup. Brasil cannot afford it at this moment perhaps later on but for now it is definitely a no.

Amy Nguyen · Veteran Member

Like Sami said, the deforestation agreement would harm Brazil financially, but i think that it should sign on because it's not just a national matter, but a global one. I understand that the agreement would hurt Brazil the most but the agreement would protect the environment that is in danger from the effects of industrialization. Although Brazil has set restrictions on how much lumber is taken, it's hard to partially partake in protecting the forests because people do try to take more than they are permitted to.

In 15 years, we plan to end deforestation, a lofty and difficult goal. I think it would be challenging to do so without creating a huge impact in the lumber industry but it can be possible with the proper and effective actions. We just need to be prepared for any of the consequences, especially how it'll affect communities/families whose livelihood depends on deforestation and the like.

aya · Veteran Member

Of course, Brazil should sign it but they're economy is probably not doing well, although I don't think that they (the countries) are really willing to do the deforestation. And why wouldn't they be able to do so without Brazil. Anyway i think that they should really consider it.

kristiestoermer · Veteran Member

Brazil should sign on to help end deforestation, however like everyone is pointing out, they probably finacially can't risk it. I think it is very possible that we could end deforestation by 2030, it won't be as effective without Brazil, but with other major countries participating I think it could happen.

Banddude · Senior Member

With the proper steps and reinforcements, I do believe the majority of deforestation could be stopped. Countries such as Brazil need to join though for it to be effective. Their absence can not be overlooked; we need to make them want to join us. It is important for Brazil to join because they haver the largest impact in this field. I understand their frustrations, and they should not go unheard. Brazil also needs to know where the boundary is. They can not ignore the rest of the world just because they were left out. Both sides of this argument are at fault. A solution is possible.

Amber Kennedy · Veteran Member

Although Brazil depends on deforestation from an economic stand point, I do think that the country should consider signing the declaration. As Dylan had said, there is a boundary that Brazil needs to know about. Deforestation affects the whole world and will cause drastic changes if not halted.

Unfortunately however, I do not think that deforestation can be stopped by 2030. Some countries just can't afford it, and some corporations are just too greedy. Unless they focus on another industry for money, deforestation most likely will not be stopped.

Banddude · Senior Member

Amber brought up a good point about how Brazil's economy depends largely on deforestation. Taking this into consideration, shouldn't it be the wrest of the worlds motive to find alternative economic pillars to replace deforestation in Brazil. This would allow them to sign the treaty and stop deforestation like the wrest of the world wants, and also bring about better, hopefully more stable economics for Brazil.