On October 16th, Brazil LAB was pleased to host a lecture and discussion with Beto Verissimo, one of Brazil's most influential environmental leaders and Brazil LAB's first scholar-in-residence. In his talk, "Amazon at the Crossroads," Verissimo enumerated the threats to the Amazon rainforest in Brazil and emphasized the need for the international community to pressure the Brazilian government to maintain and augment its successful anti-deforestation measures. 

The lecture was followed by a discussion with Jennifer Widner, professor of Politics and International Affairs and director of Innovations for Successful Societies. Verissimo recounted successes and challenges faced by his organization, Imazon, a research institution that promotes conservation and sustainable development in the Amazon region.  

See also: What’s at Stake in Brazil’s Election? The Future of the Amazon, New York Times.

Photos by Daiane Tamanaha