Strongmen like Trump would destroy the planet out of pure spite – and Brazil shows we’re all in peril | George Monbiot
George Monbiot argues that political leaders like Donald Trump and elements of the Brazilian elite are driven by a destructive ideology that threatens global ecosystems. He contrasts recent progress in reforestation with the potential for policy reversals that could accelerate environmental collapse.
Why it matters
The piece highlights the intersection of political leadership, ideology, and global climate policy, warning of the risks posed by anti-environmental governance.
Flávio Bolsonaro after voting in Brazil’s general election, Rio de Janeiro, Sunday 4 October. Flávio Bolsonaro after voting in Brazil’s general election, Rio de Janeiro, Sunday 4 October. Opinion Brazil Strongmen like Trump would destroy the planet out of pure spite – and Brazil shows we’re all in peril George Monbiot If Flávio Bolsonaro is elected, Brazil’s ecosystems will face collapse. The ruling class would rather burn the world than share it with the poor
H owever grim the trajectory might seem, I’ve always believed that sense will ultimately prevail. As the great perils of dismantling the living world become increasingly obvious, even the most rapacious exploiters must come round. Nobody wants to live on a dead planet, do they?
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