Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro calls Europe an 'environmental sect'

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Thursday dismissed criticism leveled by European nations over deforestation in Amazon, calling Europe an "environmental sect".

Speaking on social media from his official residence, Alvora Palace, president said that Brazil was an agribusiness power and that it was "a commercial fight" with Europe, t just environmental interests.

Bolsonaro has remained at residence since last week after being diagsed with COVID-19.

Brazilian leer took office in 2019 with plans to develop Amazon region, and he has frequently deunced environmental restrictions hampering activity.

Lately his government has sought to demonstrate its commitment to environment, following international criticism last year, when deforestation reached its worst level in 11 years.

In June, mainly European investment firms sent a letter to Brazilian government expressing concern over rising deforestation and demanded forceful action against illegal activities in Amazon.

Last week Brazil's government proposed that global asset-manrs opt protected areas in Amazon rainforest in order to curb illegal deforestation ahe of season farmers tritionally use fire to clear land and brush.

That could entail providing financial support for environmental projects or paying for security to prevent people from entering areas.

Brazilian ncy (INPE) published a report on Friday revealing 400 square miles (1,034 square kilometers) of deforestation in Amazon in June, a new record month since data started being gared in 2015.

Total deforestation in Brazilian Amazon from January to June was 1,890 square miles (3,069 square kilometers), up 25% from same six-month period last year.

Outside observers are keeping close tabs on Brazil's environmental stewardship just ahe of so-called burning season, during which landholders use fire to clear brush and forest.

" aver of fires and heat spots in Brazil is below aver of last years," said Bolsonaro on Thursday.

He ded that fires were part of culture of people living in rural areas, including indigeus people.

Bolsonaro has banned setting agricultural and forest fires as country enters dry season at a moment when government faces pressure from local and foreign companies to show greater commitment to environmental protection.

His 120-day decree, published in official gazette, comes just ahe of period when fires are most common in Amazon region, with rainfall is at its lowest.

In 2019 fires across Brazilian forests spre at a pace unseen since 2010, stirring an international outcry.

While speaking on social media on Thursday, Bolsonaro also spoke briefly about upcoming US presidential elections, saying he supported President Donald Trump.