New journal article on the far-reaching implications of potentially rolling-back Environmental Licensing and Impact Assessment in Brazil
Simone Athayde and colleagues wrote a recent article on the far-reaching implications of the potential setback in environmental impact assessment and environmental licensing legislation in Brazil. The article was recently published in the Environmental Impact Assessment Review. The article is co-authored by Profs. Alberto Fonseca, Suely Araújo, Amarilis Gallardo, Evandro Moretto, and Luis Sánchez.
Abstract
In the context of compounding health, environmental, and climatic crises, Brazil may witness two of its most important environmental policy instruments, environmental licensing and impact assessment, be severely weakened. On May 13, 2021, the Chamber of Deputies passed a new General Law of Environmental Licensing, ignoring the concerns of civil society, scientists, and other relevant parties. If approved by the Senate and ratified by President Bolsonaro, this law will further undermine Brazil’s increasingly fragile environmental protection and public participation in decision-making. Here, we review the bill’s main provisions, highlighting potential far-reaching implications for environmental protection and governance, public participation in decision-making, and human rights in Brazil and beyond. Scientists can play an important role in debunking misinformation and advising Senators and the public opinion on the bill’s dangerous effects.