600,000 Say No to Belo Monte Dam

A number of groups from the Amazon and elsewhere converged in Brazil's capital briging with them over 600,000 signatures opposing the government's plans to build a dam in the Amazon. I was called on by Amazon Watch the film and edit the days events, which led me into the President's Palace along side Cacique Raoni a legendary Kayapo warrior.

The signatures were delivered but to deaf ears. The Dilma Government has made it abundantly clear that they want this monstrous project to go through. See the video and the great work carried about by great groups concerned about this horrible Belo Monte Dam.

The sleeping giant awakes?

Here's a great piece echoing my concerns here about Brazil finally awakening as a true global player. Thankfully, some still know this nation has a lot to overcome and warns Brazil to avoid getting too cocky too fast, especially given the nation's newest boost could go bust with a simple change in commodities markets.

To the north, Environment Minister Marina Silva has resigned. She was an honest defender of the Amazon and insiders say the battle was too much for her and that she was against all odd. There is a perfect storm brewing over the Amazon these days. New laws which will place the forest at greater peril, a new law to limit the movement of the forest's greatest defenders and now the only real political support the forest had, is stepping down.

We live in interesting times here.