In defense of Brazil’s environment and human rights

PN #75

We express our deep concern and vehement opposition to Bill 2159/2021, which dismantles the environmental licensing system in Brazil, contrary to all efforts to mitigate and contain climate crisis.

The text approved by the Chamber of Deputies was already a serious setback for environmental protection. In an alarming move, the Senate has further aggravated this scenario, deepening socio-environmental risks and making the bill even more harmful to the public interest.

The approval of this bill will weaken environmental protection instruments, paving the way for the destruction of essential biomes, compromising the fight against climate change, and threatening any prospect of sustainable development.

The modifications proposed by Bill 2159/2021 not only irresponsibly relax environmental licensing requirements, but also jeopardize the fundamental rights of indigenous peoples, quilombolas and traditional communities, who are excluded from decision-making processes on activities that directly impact their territories, ways of life, and, above all, the environmental heritage of all Brazilians.

In view of this situation, the Arns Commission calls on civil society, social movements, organizations, and citizens to mobilize and pressure their representatives in the Chamber of Deputies to definitively reject Bill 2159/2021.

There can be no sustainable development or respect for human dignity unless there is a healthy environment. We cannot allow our greatest asset to be threatened by a reckless legislative project that runs counter to the interests of Brazilian society as a whole.