In Brazil, Marrying Couples, Divorcees Could be Forced To Plant Trees
by Paula Alvarado, Buenos Aires on 06.24.08
Image: Carlos Humberto Mannato photographed by Laycer Tomaz, image bank from Brazilian Deputies Chamber.
A project by Brazilian Deputy Carlos Humberto Mannato could establish that all people who want to get married, get divorced, buy a new car, or build a house would have to plant a certain amount of trees to offset their activity.
The deputy thinks this will help reduce the effects of global warming in the long term without affecting people's pockets. With this law, "The person who buys a 100 thousand reals apartment would pay about 50 reals for the environment. That's a ridiculous amount that might be symbolic to people but that could mean a lot for the environment," Mannato said to O Globo newspaper. "We have to start somewhere, and that could be this federal law."
Read more about the project in the extended. O Globo via El Blog Verde (in Spanish)
The bill establishes that couples to be married would have to plant 10 tree seedlings in order to carry on with the wedding, while those who want to get divorced would have to plant 25 new trees. For the car buyers, the 'fee' for a new car would be 20 trees, the 'cost' of a middle-size car would be 40, and 60 for heavy vehicles. Construction companies would have to plant 10 trees for every new home and 20 for every new commercial unit they build.
Why divorce? "When people separate, families are divided and that results in an increase of the number of residences, which leads to a higher space occupation and consume of energy and water," explained Mannato to O Globo.
The project also considers the possibility of donating one real for every tree due to the municipal urbanization organ if people don't want to do it themselves.
According to estimations published by the newspaper, if the law is approved, the construction and automobile sectors would plant at least 65 million trees a year. That would mean more than 38 thousand hectares covered.
The mentioned source informs the project has been approved by two of the five first commissions it has to go through. The project can be followed via the Congress website.
Sources:
::Original article: Project to establish planting trees to get married or divorced
::Project page on Brazilian Congress (in Portuguese)
Other environmental news in Brazil:
::Brazil Launches Greenhouse Gas Program, Sixteen Companies Agree to Monitor Emissions
::Amazon: Brazil Considers Extending Permits to Enter the Jungle
::Marina Silva's Resignation to Brazil Environmental Ministry
::Brazil's Lula Rebuffs Biofuels Critics at World Food Summit
Here's an idea: How about they scrap the idea, and instead, prevent corporate interests from raping the rain forest?
Great idea! Maybe the US should adopt a similar policy.
It's a good idea, but I know the destiny os this money: someone's pocket. (I'm brazilian)
NOTE FROM AUTHOR:
I see what you mean Giuliano, I'm an Argentine and we're very suspicious of our politicians too, but I guess we have to be hopeful that things could change.. cheers!
Shana, indeed the Brazilians are doing a less than ideal job at preserving their forests.
But, wait a moment! They still have the Amazon *and* the Atlantic forests? How come US does not have one? Or Europe? What could have happened in these enlightened, advanced societies?