Brazil's environment minister quits in protest

On May 14, BBC News reported that Brazil's Environment Minister Marina Silva had resigned after five years, leading to speculation that her departure is linked to a lack of political support in Brazil for protecting the Amazon rainforest.

Her opposition to many of the major megaprojects planned and underway in the Brazilian Amazon, including two large hydroelectric dams on the Madeira River, often put her at odds with Brazil's economic development program. According to BBC News, environmental campaigners argue that her departure creates a huge gap in the Brazilian government’s credibility on environmental questions.

Sergio Leitao, director of public policy for Greenpeace in Brazil added that "Brazil is losing the only voice in the government that spoke out for the environment."

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