In a meeting at United Nations, the President of France, Emmanuel Macron according to an international media said that the global leaders have agreed on September 23 to set aside funds worth $500 million to protect the tropical rainforests including the Amazon which were recently destroyed with raging wildfires. This session was reportedly missed by Brazil. The French President also called out other countries to increase their contribution to the Green Climate Fund. 

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Amazon Forest Fires

The world's largest tropical rainforest, Amazon is facing the worst wildfires since 2010 which initiated a global outrage. These wildfires could also affect the demand for Brazil's exports. The leaders of the G7 countries had offered an emergency aid of $20 million in August to help Brazil in tackling the fires. This gesture, however, was criticized by the Brazil leader. Purportedly, the Secretary-General of United Nations, Antonio Guterres said on Monday that it is imperative on a global level to stop deforestation and restore of degraded forests. Guterres believes that for every dollar spent on the restoration of forests will be recouped with economic benefits worth $30 and help in decreasing poverty. However, the environmentalists have been blaming the people who carry out deforestation in Amazon forests for commercial use to cause the largest series of wildfires. The Amazon rainforests are essentially called the 'lungs of the world'. 

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Macron for climate

The French President reached out to a wider alliance to protect the rainforests in the world in the 74th United Nations General Assembly in New York. According to an international agency, France, Chile and Columbia also met during the annual gatherings on September 23. These meetings were organized despite the absence of Jair Bolsonaro, the President of Brazil who promotes the development in the Amazon rainforests. Macron even mentioned that everyone wants to work with Brazil because work on climate requires an inclusive approach. Reportedly, the French president will contribute $100 million out of the total $500 million funds. The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson also said that the deforestation is the main cause of species extinction and undermining the livelihood of millions of people. 

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(With agency inputs)