Post by Andrei Tchentchik on Jan 23, 2020 13:37:27 GMT 2
(.#A.030).- Accomplices of deforestation, August 31, 2019.
Accomplices of deforestation.
August 31, 2019.
The fires ravaging the Amazon rainforest in Brazil have sparked a huge international outcry.
An NGO accuses companies of being linked to the destruction of the Amazon rainforest.
An NGO dedicated to the defense of the rainforest accuses Canada of being an accomplice to the destruction and fires that are ravaging the Amazon.
Antoine Lacroix
The Journal de Montréal
"Canadians' money and institutions are complicit in deforestation. This is very problematic, we should not fund actors who can not give evidence that they do not do such practices, "denounces Christian Poirier, director of programs of Amazon Watch.
A report published in April 2019 by the California non-governmental organization identified who financed 56 companies that committed "environmental crimes" in Brazil, using loans or holding shares worth millions of dollars.
INTERNATIONAL TOLLÉ
The fires of the Amazon, which cause a huge international outcry, are mainly due to the practice of burning, which is used in particular for agricultural crops and cattle breeding.
"This report examines how some of the worst players in the Brazilian Amazon - who have documented links to illegal deforestation, corruption, forced labor and other crimes - are openly negotiating with a wide range of European companies. and from North America and receive funding, "reads the report.
Major investment funds like BlackRock, Capital Group, Fidelity or JPMorgan Chase are cited as major financiers of the Brazilian agri-food industry.
CANADIAN BANKS
The document also includes known names such as the majority of major Canadian banks and financial companies (Bank of Montreal, Royal Bank of Canada, CIBC, Sun Life and TD Bank). same as the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec.
"We can not say that fires and deforestation are done by Canada, but that there is a link that puts forward its role," says Mr. Poirier, who calls for a boycott of products from deforestation.
EXPLANATIONS REQUIRED
Contacted by Le Journal, environmental groups have responded to these Canadian investments, which they say are "contributing to the problem."
"While the Amazon is in flames, it would be beneficial for all these Canadian companies to become aware of their impact and explain their actions," said Caroline Brouillette, senior researcher on climate change at the Quebec organization Équiterre.
"These fires have really affected Quebeckers and they will keep a close eye on what's going on, especially since they now know that their '' woolen socks '' are financing the destruction of the Amazon rainforest," said Patrick Bonin, responsible for the Climate-Energy Campaign for Greenpeace Canada.
INFLUENCE
According to two finance experts, changes in the practices of major financiers should take place quickly to better consider the protection of the environment.
"Instead of just selling their shares, they can use their influence to force companies to change their practices," said Bouchra M'Zali, professor at UQAM's School of Management Sciences and performance expert. of companies.
"It just puts us in the face that our inaction is obvious and must lead to changes in mentality," said François Delorme, economist and professor at the University of Sherbrooke.
F I N.
Accomplices of deforestation.
August 31, 2019.
The fires ravaging the Amazon rainforest in Brazil have sparked a huge international outcry.
An NGO accuses companies of being linked to the destruction of the Amazon rainforest.
An NGO dedicated to the defense of the rainforest accuses Canada of being an accomplice to the destruction and fires that are ravaging the Amazon.
Antoine Lacroix
The Journal de Montréal
"Canadians' money and institutions are complicit in deforestation. This is very problematic, we should not fund actors who can not give evidence that they do not do such practices, "denounces Christian Poirier, director of programs of Amazon Watch.
A report published in April 2019 by the California non-governmental organization identified who financed 56 companies that committed "environmental crimes" in Brazil, using loans or holding shares worth millions of dollars.
INTERNATIONAL TOLLÉ
The fires of the Amazon, which cause a huge international outcry, are mainly due to the practice of burning, which is used in particular for agricultural crops and cattle breeding.
"This report examines how some of the worst players in the Brazilian Amazon - who have documented links to illegal deforestation, corruption, forced labor and other crimes - are openly negotiating with a wide range of European companies. and from North America and receive funding, "reads the report.
Major investment funds like BlackRock, Capital Group, Fidelity or JPMorgan Chase are cited as major financiers of the Brazilian agri-food industry.
CANADIAN BANKS
The document also includes known names such as the majority of major Canadian banks and financial companies (Bank of Montreal, Royal Bank of Canada, CIBC, Sun Life and TD Bank). same as the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec.
"We can not say that fires and deforestation are done by Canada, but that there is a link that puts forward its role," says Mr. Poirier, who calls for a boycott of products from deforestation.
EXPLANATIONS REQUIRED
Contacted by Le Journal, environmental groups have responded to these Canadian investments, which they say are "contributing to the problem."
"While the Amazon is in flames, it would be beneficial for all these Canadian companies to become aware of their impact and explain their actions," said Caroline Brouillette, senior researcher on climate change at the Quebec organization Équiterre.
"These fires have really affected Quebeckers and they will keep a close eye on what's going on, especially since they now know that their '' woolen socks '' are financing the destruction of the Amazon rainforest," said Patrick Bonin, responsible for the Climate-Energy Campaign for Greenpeace Canada.
INFLUENCE
According to two finance experts, changes in the practices of major financiers should take place quickly to better consider the protection of the environment.
"Instead of just selling their shares, they can use their influence to force companies to change their practices," said Bouchra M'Zali, professor at UQAM's School of Management Sciences and performance expert. of companies.
"It just puts us in the face that our inaction is obvious and must lead to changes in mentality," said François Delorme, economist and professor at the University of Sherbrooke.
F I N.
