With the election last month of Inácio Lula da Silva as Brazil’s next president, it might seem safe to predict a torrent of new environmental measures. After all, during the campaign that ended with his lopsided victory on Oct. 27, Lula’s leftist Workers Party (PT) developed a 33-page document outlining green proposals on everything from forest conservation to tourism. For instance, the PT vows to fight illegal timber cutting, create ecological corridors and promote reforestation. It calls for the “repatriation” of profits from biopiracy to benefit local communities. And it promises job creation in such areas as recycling, tree planting, sanitation and waterway cleanup. But don’t expect big changes soon. Lula appears interested first and foremost in managing a smooth transition. Says Gérson Almeida... [Log in to read more]