Global Call for Lula’s Full Veto on the Devastation Bill
By Brenda Diniz
One day. That’s all the time we have to stop a historic setback. One day to demand a bold, moral decision from the leader of the country that holds the fate of the world’s largest rainforest, the Amazon.
The future of our planet now lies in the hands of President Lula — no demagogue. In less than 24 hours, the Brazilian president is expected to make a critical decision on one of the most dangerous environmental rollbacks in recent history: the so-called “Devastation Bill.” If he chooses to support it, the world stands to lose — deeply and irreversibly. This legislative package dismantles essential protections for forests and Indigenous Peoples across Brazil, weakening environmental safeguards and opening the door to more land grabbing and deforestation in one of the most vital ecosystems on Earth, not only the Amazon, but other precious biomes such as Cerrado and Pantanal.
Why a Full Veto Is Non-Negotiable
Brazil — and the planet — cannot afford to backtrack, not even an inch, on environmental safeguards that have taken decades to build, especially around environmental licensing. Marina Silva, Brazil’s Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, has been vocal in her opposition to the bill.
Recently she described the Devastation Bill as “the burial of environmental licensing”, warning of its severe consequences — not only for the environment, public health, and the general population, but also for Brazil’s international commitments, including its pledges to reduce carbon emissions and achieve zero deforestation by 2030.
There is no room for half-measures. A partial veto would only mask the harm — and legitimize a political agenda that puts profit over people and natureand destruction over life.
The World Is Watching
This is not just a domestic issue — the consequences are global.
Brazil is set to host COP30 this November, a climate summit seen as a milestone for international cooperation on the planetary crisis. President Lula has positioned himself as a leader in climate diplomacy — but that leadership must be earned through action, and the clock is ticking.
Passing this bill would erode Brazil’s credibility on the global stage. It would contradict its commitments to zero deforestation and forest protection, and it would send the worst possible message at the worst possible time — just months before the world gathers in Belém in the Amazon to define the planet’s future.
Lula’s Decision Must Stand with the People and the Earth
During his first administration, President Lula made historic progress in reducing deforestation and its impact on Indigenous peoples and wildlife. Now, he has the opportunity — and the responsibility — to rise to the moment once again.
Vetoing the Devastation Bill would not only honor Brazil’s past victories — it would reaffirm the country’s role as a climate leader at a time when the world desperately needs one.
Join the Call For a Full Veto!
Fill out the form, send an email directly to Lula and join the chorus against the Devastation Bill: www.pldadevastacao.org
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