Norway issues $1bn threat to Brazil over rising Amazon destruction
(The Guardian Norway)

Deforestation in the Amazon is increasing amid cuts to protection, putting Norway´s financial aid in jeopardy, says minister Norway has issued a blunt threat to Brazil that if rising deforestation in the Amazon rainforest is not reversed, its billion-dollar financial assistance will fall to zero. The leaders of the two nations meet in Oslo on Friday.The oil-rich Scandinavian nation has provided $1.1bn to Brazil´s Amazon fund since 2008, tied to reductions in the rate of deforestation in the world´s greatest rainforest. The destruction of forests by timber and farming industries is a major contributor to the carbon emissions that drive climate change and Norway views protecting the Amazon as vital for the whole world. Related: Wild Amazon faces destruction as Brazil´s farmers and loggers target national park Continue reading...