Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Fears for Amazon rainforest as Brazil's environment minister resigns


Fears for the future of the world's largest tropical rain forest grew yesterday, after the sudden resignation of Brazil's environment minister, Marina Silva.

As a result of the opposition to the construction of hydroelectric dams and roads in the Amazon, and her attempts to combat illegal deforestation, Silva became a hate-figure to many Amazonian ranchers and loggers. Last year there were repeated rumours in the Brazilian media that president Lula was on the verge of sacking his outspoken minister.

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