Green Conservative

I admit it. I’m a Green Conservative. Most people find this to be somewhat of an oxy-moron but I find that it works for me.

An example of Green Conservative belief’s: I have no problems with more drilling in America, but I have major problems if drilling happens without the best safeguards in place. We at least attempt to care for the environment while drilling, something that can’t be said about other countries we buy oil from.

All that said, the BBC reports on Brazil and their plan to stop deforestation:

Brazil has announced a plan to reduce deforestation rates in the Amazon region by 70% over the next ten years.

This year, the rate of Amazon deforestation increased after falling for the past four years.

Tasso Azevedo, head of the Brazilian government’s forestry service said "We can now adopt targets because we now have the instruments to implement them."

He was referring to a new Amazon fund, where foreign nations are being encouraged by Brazil to contribute financially to the conservation of the vast Amazon region.

A crackdown on illegal settlements and increased policing in the Amazon region came earlier this year, following an estimated 3.8% increase in deforestation compared with the previous year.

Burning of the forests has contributed to increases in global atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, but Brazil’s environment minister Carlos Minc said the initiative showed the country is committed to reducing global emissions.

Norway has a wonderful plan to help Brazil. It will give Brazil $130M next year and ever year after that for the next 7 years. There is one condition. Brazil must prove every year that they are indeed stopping the deforestation.

How unusual! A country must be held accountable before receiving money. Perhaps the American government can take a few tips from this concept of accountability.