Amazon rainforest

Colombia's election of Abelardo de la Espriella, endorsed by Donald Trump, alongside Peru's potential election of Keiko Fujimori and Brazil's possible rightward shift, raises concerns about economic development policies in the Amazon. De la Espriella's pro-oil and fracking stance contrasts with outgoing President Petro's environmental focus, potentially impacting rainforest conservation efforts.

Colombia's election of Abelardo de la Espriella, endorsed by U.S. President Donald Trump, alongside Peru's potential election of Keiko Fujimori and Brazil's upcoming vote, raises concerns about shifting political priorities in the Amazon region. These leaders have signaled support for economic growth through extractive industries, contrasting with previous environmental-focused policies in Colombia and Peru.

A report by Conservation International highlights that Indigenous cultural practices and stewardship contribute significantly to climate solutions through biodiversity preservation and carbon storage. The study emphasizes that Indigenous lands' health stems from traditional knowledge and community-led conservation efforts, despite historical exclusion from climate negotiations and funding.

President Trump's administration is threatening Brazil with tariffs over deforestation in the Amazon, citing unfair trade practices and environmental law violations. The U.S. Trade Representative alleges Brazil's illegal deforestation and labor practices undermine U.S. trade, though Trump remains skeptical of climate change.

Colombia’s June 21 presidential runoff between Iván Cepeda and Abelardo de la Espriella could determine the country’s approach to Amazon conservation, fossil fuel development, and Indigenous rights. Cepeda aligns with President Gustavo Petro’s policies to protect the Amazon and reduce fossil fuel reliance, while de la Espriella, endorsed by Donald Trump, advocates for expanding extractive industries like fracking.

Colombia’s presidential runoff features Iván Cepeda, an ally of President Gustavo Petro, and Abelardo de la Espriella, endorsed by Donald Trump. The election could influence policies on the Amazon rainforest, fossil fuel development, and Indigenous communities.

Colombia's June 21 presidential runoff between Iván Cepeda and Abelardo de la Espriella will determine the country's approach to Amazon rainforest conservation, fossil fuel development, and Indigenous rights. Cepeda supports Petro's policies to limit oil/gas exploration and promote renewables, while de la Espriella advocates for expanding extractive industries and fracking. The election follows Colombia's hosting of a global fossil fuel transition summit under President Gustavo Petro.

Amazon deforestation rates have reached their lowest level since 2019, but concerns persist due to a new highway and railway project cutting through the rainforest. Brazil’s Congress passed a bill prohibiting environmental agencies from using satellite images to restrict illegally deforested lands, while a 'super' El Niño event is forecast to strain global food systems and exacerbate extreme heat in India and Nepal.

Brazilian oil giant Petrobras announced new oil and gas drilling in the Amazon rainforest after a decade, with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva attending the event. Lula hosted the COP30 UN climate conference in November, urging leaders to present roadmaps for transitioning away from fossil fuels.

Brazil will invest $75 million to pave a highway through the Amazon rainforest, a project that has raised concerns among environmentalists about ecosystem protection and climate change mitigation.

A film depicts a post-coup Brazil where far-right plotters have taken over and surrendered the Amazon rainforest to the United States. The year is 2025 and Brazil's democracy has been annihilated. The film highlights threats facing Indigenous peoples.

An image of the Ucayali River in the Amazon rainforest, captured from space, shows the river winding in a light brown color through dark blue and green landscapes with small white clouds visible in the sky.

Archaeological digs along Brazil's BR-156 highway in Amapa state reveal pre-colonial Indigenous artifacts, including pottery and face-like objects, indicating complex societies in the Amazon. Discoveries challenge the notion of the region as a 'human desert' and highlight interactions between Indigenous groups and European colonizers.