According to the federal representative from Rio, the solution is evident, but it is being overlooked by a large part of the government. “The tax reform is an important opportunity to reduce inequalities and to foster an economy that does not destroy the environment. It must be based on three pillars: first, simplification, because our tax system is extremely complex. Second, taxes must be progressive, that is, those who make more money must pay more, and those who make less money, must pay less. In Brazil, the greatest tax burden, proportionately, is on the poorest and the middle classes. The third pillar is the environment, a green tax reform, which discourages the most polluting activities and encourages cleaner ones.”

 

Industry is one of the priority areas for attention. “Brazil has all it takes to be a leading country in the green transition because of its great environmental potential. We must think about a reindustrialization process and ways to make our standing forest more valuable than the felled forest. One which integrates different economic solutions with the science and technology of Brazil's traditional peoples. The most advanced industries in the country are researching what indigenous communities have known for centuries, how to transform this knowledge into an industrial potential for the creation of new products,” said Molon.

 

Mindrup mentioned the influence  of the international youth movement in the German parliament, demanding measures to prevent climate change. “We have Fridays for Future, with a very strong base. This movement puts great pressure on the German government.”

 

“Changing your behavior as a consumer helps. As society changes its demands, it also changes that which is expected, both from the market and from politicians. When society matures and creates new patterns of consumption, new behaviors and new demands from industry, market and politics, it also helps the government to change its own parameters,” stated Molon.

 

The discussion also focused on how the dissemination of fake news additionally contribute to a difficulty in advancing on environmental issues. “There is nothing as damaging for the future of democracy as disinformation. As for the fires in the Pantanal region, our minister spreads fake information. It is very challenging to face this theme, or any other, if we do not start from a minimal common ground, based on reality, with effective data,” analyzed Molon. “Legislating about fake news is not an easy task here in Brazil, where there is a fine line between what is considered freedom of expression and what is a distortion of reality. ”Klaus points out that social networks are heavily used by right-wing populists. "There is a worldwide network formed by these politicians, alleged scientific institutes, and evangelical churches that are trying to put humanist values at risk. They deny climate change, as well as the pandemic. We are very concerned and taking up the fight against fake news."