Brazil’s election and the battle for the Amazon

In February 2023, Tom Burgis, The Guardian's Latin America correspondent, reports from an isolated part of Brazil where illegal mining operations are devastating indigenous lands, particularly the Yanomami territory. With the Brazilian presidential elections approaching, the episode centers on the battle between incumbent president Lula, who is working to protect the Amazon, and Flavio Bolsonaro, who is expected to continue his father's destructive policies.

During the episode, Tom recounts the alarming rise in deforestation and violence against indigenous communities under Jair Bolsonaro's administration, which encouraged illegal mining and significantly harmed environmental protections. As Lula seeks re-election, the stakes are high for the Amazon and the indigenous populations living there, with polls indicating a tight race.

The episode goes on to explore the impact of illegal mining on local economies, the heavy environmental toll, and the struggles of the Yanomami people against both the mining operations and governmental neglect. While Lula's administration is praised for taking steps to protect these areas, the episode warns that a victory for Flavio Bolsonaro could lead to a resurgence in illegal mining activities and further threats to indigenous communities.

Tom highlights the need for people globally to pay attention to Brazil’s elections, noting the implications of policies that affect not just the local ecosystem but also global climate patterns. The podcast concludes with a hopeful note about the resilience of indigenous activists who vow to continue fighting for their rights, regardless of the electoral outcome.