Hopes of protecting the Amazon rainforest from further destruction, at a time when the dual climate and biodiversity crises are commanding global attention, have got a sorely needed boost following the inauguration of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
During his first speech to Congress on 1 January, Lula said Brazil did not "need to deforest" the world’s most important ecosystem to support the country’s agricultural sector, repeating his goal of "zero deforestation”.
