This is how we Swedes can protect the Amazon and support its environmental fighters

Last year, the devastation of the Amazon in Brazil increased by 22 percent compared to 2020. This is the highest annual deforestation in 15 years. Photo: quapan. Source: flickr.

Of: Ebba Eriksson

The destruction of the Amazon, the lungs of the earth, threatens biodiversity as well as the rights and lives of indigenous peoples. Alarming reports of deforestation of an area as large as France and images of burning primeval forest arouse strong feelings in many and a desire to be able to help - and we in Sweden can be involved and influence.

March 1, 2022, Chronicle

Swedish fund money is invested in polluting oil giants

An oil spill has caused damage to animals and nature in the Ecuadorian rainforest where Mireya Gualinga and her people Kichwa live. Photo: Mike Gualinga.

Of: Elise Olsson

Several Swedish AP funds and several major Swedish banks are investing in companies that engage in deforestation and violate human rights in various parts of the world - something that affects the Amazon rainforest and indigenous peoples, among other things. "These companies are killing our planet. They are looting the last aid the planet can offer - and that's the forest," said Mireya Gualinga, a climate and indigenous activist from the Ecuadorian Amazon.

January 25, 2022, Interview

The Amazon must not be destroyed in the shadow of the pandemic

Out with Bolsonaro, it says on the Cretan Kaingang's mouth guard. Crete Kaingang is the coordinator of Brazil's Indigenous Peoples' Association APIB. Photo: Matheus Alves

Of: Alex Brekke

The corona pandemic has diminished attention around the Amazon. Then the Brazilian government takes the opportunity to change laws to reduce the protection of the rainforest. Now it is extra important that we demand that the forest and the rights of indigenous peoples are protected, writes Alex Brekke on Amazon Watch Sweden.

June 17, 2020, Debate

Swedish aid in the hot air after reports of corruption

Criticism of Swedish development assistance has been harsh on the opinion pages in the past week. But several have also gone on the defensive.

Of: Erica Fahlström

Revelations about corruption and proposals from the Moderates about a reduced aid budget. This has made the debate about Swedish development assistance hot over the past week. Criticism of the lack of control is met with arguments that aid is needed - precisely to fight corruption. "It is simply not the case that countries with lower aid budgets have better aid," writes Anna Tibblin from We Effect in Svenska Dagbladet.

September 11, 2019, Current debate

Stop the devastation of the Amazon - support the indigenous peoples

The Amazon is vital for the earth to feel good. Alex Brekke suggests that we call it the heart of the earth. Photo: Niel Palmer / CIAT

Of: Alex Brekke

The fires in the Amazon have caused great concern around the world. The fact that the rainforest is being devastated and burning down has a major impact on our climate - and we are all responsible for that. Now we need to support all the indigenous peoples who are fighting to defend the Amazon. It is the best way to protect the rainforest, writes Alex Brekke from the organization Amazon Watch.

September 4, 2019, Debate