Brazil Roundup: Floods, peace talks, criminals take over Amazon
Drug cartels take over Amazon
The Brazillian Forum on Public Safety has revealed that there are at least 22 organised crime groups operating in Brazil’s Amazon. Data shows that cocaine seizures between 2019 and 2022 increased by 277 percent to more than 81 tonnes. Similar figures were recorded with cannabis seizures. These criminal activities are contributing to deforestation in the Amazon forest as well, The Brazilian Report indicated.
Floods lead to losses, deaths
The state of Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil has suffered devastating floods, causing significant losses for pig and poultry farmers. Around 12,600 pigs and 279,000 poultry were lost, affecting major suppliers and disrupting meat processing plants. According to Avi News, the floods have also impacted infrastructure, with slaughterhouses paralysed and the port of Rio Grande affected. Recovery will be a challenge, but the agricultural community is working together to overcome this crisis.
Proposals on climate and hunger
Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has outlined Brazil's G20 proposals on climate and hunger, emphasising the need for expanded climate finance targets and more ambitious climate goals. He also highlighted the issue of debt in developing countries and proposed taxing billionaires to generate resources for food security in Africa. Additionally, President Lula spoke about the global alliance against hunger and poverty and advocated for global governance reform, Mirage News reports.
Brazilian army resumes rescue operations for flood victims
The Brazilian Army and Navy have resumed rescue operations in the flood-affected southern part of the country. Reuters reports that heavy rains have caused further flooding in Porto Alegre, with over 160 people killed and 600,000 displaced in the past month. The recent rains have worsened the situation, with trash on the streets causing clogged drains.
Peace talks
Brazil and China have called for peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, with the participation of both countries. They support an international peace conference recognised by both Russia and Ukraine, and have urged all parties to observe principles for de-escalating the situation. They also emphasised the rejection of weapons of mass destruction and the prevention of nuclear proliferation, NDTV reports.
