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Contact: Tara Setmayer (202) 225-2415 ***PRESS STATEMENT*** Rohrabacher Response to Misleading Reports on His Position Concerning Rainforests and Climate Change Washington, May 27 - “Once again those with a global agenda have created a straw man by misrepresenting the position of their critics. I do not believe that CO2 is a cause of global warming, nor have I ever advocated the reduction of CO2 through the clearing of rainforests or cutting down older trees to prevent global warming. But that is how my question to a witness during my subcommittee hearing on May 25th is being reported. I simply asked the witness, Dr. Todd Stern, who is a supporter of a global climate treaty that would dramatically hurt the standard of living for millions of human beings, if he was considering a policy that would address naturally emitted carbon dioxide, which makes up over 90% of emissions. “To suggest that I’m advocating such a radical approach instead of simply questioning the policy is a total misrepresentation of my position.”

ClientEarth's Daniela Rey blog on Amazon legislation

ClientEarth has a good blog on some recent developments in Brazil.

It should be clarified that overall in the past 5 years, Brazil's rates of deforestation have been falling/declining very dramatically. It is one of the greatest global conservation success stories of our time.

What Daniela is referring to is a recent spike in deforestation (in March and April 2011), mostly in Mato Groso state. Many people believe this recent rise in deforestation is related to federal discussions to weaken the Forest Code and grant certain types of amnesty.

Surge in Amazon (Mato Grosso) deforestation

Mongabay is reporting on fairly substantial increases in deforestation in the bell-weather state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. Mato Grosso had experienced fairly substantial declines in deforestation in recent years.