The world's largest rainforest, the Amazon, which produces more than 20% of the oxygen in the Earth's atmosphere, is burning at a record rate and has drawn intense international attention. Environmental activists have staged protests at Brazilian embassies around the world, accusing President Bolsonaro of supporting farmers who burn land to expand farmland.
The serious forest fires in the Amazon for the past 3 weeks have not been resolved yet.
On August 26, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that G7 leaders had agreed to help Amazon basin countries deal with the forest fires, which he described as a "serious international crisis." But Mr. Macron criticized Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro for failing to fulfill his obligations to mitigate the impact of climate change.
Mr Macron announced that the G7 would "immediately send to Amazon countries aid worth at least around 20 million euros ($22 million)".
Responding to Mr. Macron's "criticism" and suggestion, a representative of the office of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro told the G1 news site: "We appreciate (the G7's offer), but perhaps this aid is more suitable for reforestation in Europe." Accordingly, President Bolsonaro expressed concern about whether the provision of international aid includes a plot to exploit Amazon resources and weaken Brazil's growth.
On August 27, Mr. Bolsonaro added that because his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron had called him a liar, Mr. Macron would have to apologize before Brazil would consider accepting the G7's $22 million aid package.
On August 24, the Brazilian government deployed the army to prevent an environmental disaster.
The Amazon rainforest fires have been raging for more than three weeks and show no signs of stopping. They have turned the skies in Brazil from day to night. Although the fires are more than 2,700 kilometers (1,700 miles) away from São Paulo, winds are still blowing smoke into the city. Some residents have noticed that rainwater is as black as sewage.
Many people are concerned that toxic smoke will especially affect the respiratory system and health of young children.
Smoke from the Amazon turns Sao Paolo skies from 'day to night'
Conflict between the Brazilian government and European countries is hindering the extinguishing of the Amazon forest fires, threatening the opportunity for global coordination in protecting the "lungs" of the Earth.
