Incorporating Climate Crisis and Inequality: Brazil's President Lula Elevates the Amazon's Voice in UN Address

In his speech at the annual UN General Debate in New York, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva emphasized the pressing issues of inequality and the climate crisis. Lamenting the international community's apathy towards its responsibility to support the world's impoverished, Lula called for a rejection of resignation and acceptance of unfairness as a natural occurrence. He highlighted the lack of political determination among global leaders to address and overcome inequality.

In his first global summit appearance since returning to office this year, following a decade-long absence from power, Lula highlighted the potential for a new geopolitical order that could challenge the global economic influence of the West. Moreover, he emphasized the need for enhanced dialogue concerning the war in Ukraine.

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva at the UN on Sept. 19, 2023.

Richard Drew/AP

Since regaining the Brazilian presidency, Lula has swiftly established himself as a progressive advocate for climate action and emerged as a prominent global leader in tackling this issue. His efforts have resulted in a significant achievement this summer, as deforestation levels in the Amazon reached their lowest point in six years. This remarkable turnaround comes in stark contrast to the environmentally harmful policies implemented by his predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro. On Tuesday, Lula expressed, "While the global community has long discussed the Amazon, it is now imperative to heed its own voice."

Lula implored wealthy nations to fulfill their objectives for clean energy and international climate financing, asserting that a funding plan of $100 billion had already fallen short of adequacy.

An aerial perspective of the Amazon rainforest was captured from a plane journeying from Manicore to Manaus, in the state of Amazonas, Brazil, on June 10, 2022. (Photo credit: Mauro PIMENTEL/AFP via Getty Images)

Amazon deforestation reaches lowest level in six years in Brazil following a remarkable 66% decline in July. According to the country's leader, rich nations have prospered using a pattern that contributes significantly to the emission of harmful greenhouse gases. In contrast, Brazil, as a developing nation, aims to avoid replicating this approach. It has already successfully established a socially equitable and environmentally conscious model, and is committed to demonstrating its feasibility once more.

Lula, however, has received backlash for his government's investments in fossil fuels, which includes the proposal of a potential off-shore drilling venture. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted earlier on Tuesday that G20 nations, including Brazil, bear the responsibility for 80 percent of greenhouse gas emissions.

Guterres urged the need for a cessation of reliance on fossil fuels. The UN assembly follows the recent BRICS summit in Johannesburg, where Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa collectively decided to welcome new participants, broadening their coalition and offering a non-Western perspective on geopolitics and economics.

"The recent increase in the group's size during the Johannesburg summit meeting enhances the endeavor for an inclusive global structure that acknowledges the diverse economic, geographical, and political aspects of the 21st century," Lula expressed. "We represent a collective strength dedicated to fostering equitable international trade amidst the profound crisis in multilateralism."

US President Joe Biden addresses the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York on September 19. (Mike Segar/Reuters)

Mike Segar/Reuters

Biden urges global solidarity in backing Ukraine's resistance to Russian aggression at the UN.

Lula, in an attempt to position himself as a peacemaker in Russia's conflict with Ukraine, proposed a contentious negotiation plan earlier this year. Although the plan lacked clarity, it suggested the formation of a coalition comprising other non-aligned nations to act as mediators.

Lula has proposed that Ukraine relinquish Crimea, which Russia integrated into its territory in 2014, in order to achieve a peace agreement. However, Kyiv has rejected this idea and it has been strongly condemned by Washington.

Lula stated on Tuesday, "We are aware of the challenges involved in achieving peace, but any resolution will only be long-lasting if it is built on dialogue. I have emphasized the need to establish the conditions for meaningful negotiations."

Lula is set to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday in New York, according to his spokesperson Cynthia Ribeiro.