How Did Jair Bolsonaro’s Presidency in Brazil Cause an International Concern for the Amazons and its Indigenous People?

Abstract

The Amazon Rainforest, spanning several South American countries, is a critical biodiversity hotspot and home to indigenous communities whose land rights are protected under international agreements like the UNDRIP. The rainforest plays a key role in climate regulation, acting as a "global lung" through carbon sequestration. However, its preservation is under threat, particularly due to deforestation during Jair Bolsonaro's presidency, which led to the loss of over 7,600 square kilometers of forest in just nine months. This highlights the need for global cooperation to protect the Amazon, uphold indigenous rights, and ensure climate resilience.