Brazilian Politician May Be Game Changer for Environment and Development

Kristen McCannon

In Foreign Policy, David J. Rothkopf has directed the world’s attention to an incredible candidate in Brazil’s presidential race. Marina Silva has stunned seasoned political observers in the past month as her popularity has skyrocketed. Ms. Silva’s personal life story – the mixed race child of impoverished parents becoming the first in her family to read and later rising to prominence as a champion of the Amazon rainforest – has resonated in a country that celebrates its diverse heritages and landscapes. However, whether Ms. Silva can change environmental or developmental law from the presidential palace is yet to be determined.  The first round of Brazil’s presidential elections will take place on October 5^th.