Why is the Amazon Burning?

FEATURING RHETT A. BUTLER – The fires burning in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest have garnered international attention and thrust President Jair Bolsonaro’s pro-business and deregulatory policies into focus. Thousands of fires are burning in the world’s largest rainforest, considered to be a critical carbon sink protecting global climate stability.

European nations are threatening to block a major deal with Mercosur, a South American trading block that includes Brazil, over the fires destroying the Amazon. French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted on Friday, “Our house is burning. Literally….It is an international crisis. Members of the G7 Summit, let’s discuss this emergency first order in two days!”

Rhett A. Butler, Founder and CEO of the largest rainforest news site in the world Mongabay.com.