Originally published February 7 2006
World Bank president calls for stronger global action on protecting environment
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
After returning from a six-day tour of the Amazon Rain Forest and Northeast Brazil, World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz said it was imperative that the nations of the world move toward stronger actions protecting the environment and developing energy alternatives, and cited the close relationship of the Rain Forest and Brazil's citizens as examples of why such moves are important.
Sao Paulo, Brazil [RenewableEnergyAccess.com] Wrapping up a six-day tour of the Amazon Rain Forest and semi-arid areas of Northeast Brazil before Christmas, World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz called for stronger global action on protecting the environment and developing energy alternatives for economic growth and fighting poverty.
That we can reap the double dividend of robust growth on a healthy planet."
"There is an urgent need to do more, both on the global and local levels, to preserve a healthy Brazil for future generations of Brazilians.
For many reasons, this is important not just to Brazilians but to all of us," Wolfowitz said at a Special Session of the Sao Paulo Forum on Climate Change.
He emphasized how global warming and the drought in the Amazon have devastating effects on those who are most vulnerable -- the poor.
Noting that as developing countries grow, their demand for energy will also grow, countries like China, India, Mexico and Brazil, said Wolfowitz, are leaving behind a trail of environmental footprints on their path.
Around 90 percent of Brazil's electricity comes from hydropower.
Brazil is also the world's largest producer and consumer of fuel ethanol from sugarcane as a transportation fuel, an achievement possible because it is the world's most efficient producer of sugarcane, which accounts for about 60 percent of the cost of ethanol production.
The ethanol program in Brazil is saving around 180,000 barrels per day of gasoline, valued at about US$4 billion per year.
This means that about 24 million tons less CO2 are added to the atmosphere each year.
According to Wolfowitz, there is a need for broad, consistent environmental policies that balance the importance of encouraging development and protecting natural resources-to reap the double dividends that may be possible.
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