U.S. foreign aid freeze threatens Brazil’s deforestation fight

The Trump administration’s move to halt foreign aid and dismantle USAID has raised concerns in Brazil, where U.S. donations have supported conservation efforts and economic alternatives to deforestation.

Vinicius Pereira reports for The Revelator.

In short:

Brazil’s Fundo Amazônia, funded by international donations including U.S. pledges, has helped reduce deforestation by supporting sustainable economic projects in Indigenous and local communities.
The Biden administration committed $100 million to the fund, but Trump’s foreign aid freeze and plans to shut down USAID put that support in jeopardy.
Experts worry the loss of U.S. contributions will not only stall progress but also discourage other nations and corporations from donating.

Key quote:

“We know that during Trump’s last term, the climate issue received zero attention and commitment from the U.S. So we feel quite insecure about climate policies and these climate agreements at a global level.”

— Álisson Maranho, technical director of SOS Amazônia

Why this matters:

Brazil’s Amazon region plays a crucial role in global climate stability. Cutting U.S. funding could accelerate deforestation, harm biodiversity and increase carbon emissions. A weakened international commitment may also embolden policies that prioritize short-term profits over environmental protection.

therevelator.org

U.S. foreign aid freeze threatens Brazil’s deforestation fight

UN says world must jointly tackle issues of climate change, pollution, biodiversity and land loss

States push to end secrecy over data center water use

‘It’s not safe to live here.’ Colombia is deadliest country for environmental defenders

Data centers for AI could nearly triple San Jose’s energy use. Who foots the bill?

Nowhere to move: How climate change became the property market’s biggest nightmare

Extreme heat hampers children’s early learning

AI data center backlash: Public opposition to new projects is growing

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.