Presidents of countries that make up the Amazon said last Tuesday, August 8, that the energy transition and the fight against deforestation can improve the quality of life of the populations.
The analysis was carried out by heads of state on the first day of the Amazon Summit. The representatives must sign a commitment letter today containing joint measures to combat deforestation, which will be called the Statement of Belém.
“It is time to consolidate our Amazonian identity once and for all”, stated President Lula, whose speech opened the meeting.
"In an international system that was not built by us", he went on, "we have historically been given a subordinate place as a supplier of raw materials. The fair ecological transition allows us to change this picture".
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The position was followed by the presidents of Colombia, Bolivia and Peru, who spoke right after the Brazilian president. The declarations suggest that the Statement of Belém will not be restricted to the socio-environmental theme, but it will have a political content.
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Colombian President Gustavo Petro argued that not betting on the transition to a low-carbon economy would deepen economic dependence on rich countries.
"Without the Amazon jungle, there will be no water. Without the Amazon jungle, we'll have to go to the United States and stay there on the border facing machine guns. What will be the fate of our peoples without water? They will have to migrate," he projected.
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For Bolivia, President Luis Arce recognized the climate emergency and reaffirmed his commitment to preserving the Amazon, but said that it is necessary to prevent the work of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) when they go against the interests of the country.
He defended demanding from rich countries "non-reimbursable financing and innovative technologies with the release of patents and development of capacities that guarantee the development of the Amazon and its peoples".
"This climate crisis was not generated by us", summarized the Bolivian president.
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Peruvian President Dina Boularte said capitalism will need to reform to avoid climate catastrophe. "It's the reform of the financial system", she analyzed.
"This meeting should be the starting point for the creation of universal health and social protection systems with an emphasis on the most vulnerable groups to guarantee food security and provide them with basic sanitation to pave the way for our women", added Boluarte.
