Brazil
Blessed with stunning natural beauty "the cradle of the Amazon" houses 62 national parks in most diverse climates. The largest (in the world) of them is as big as Switzerland. But Brazil also has a long tradition of exploitation - both in political terms and in terms of its raw materials and resources. It is a painful realisation that since the beginning of colonization 500 years ago about 40 percent of the Amazon rainforest has disappeared, while 99% of the even richer Atlantic rainforest has been cleared. Strong population growth and urban sprawl characterize the current appearance of the landscape in many parts of the country. In the mindset of past generations it was normal in the aftermath of colonisation to develop, urbanize, and ultimately exploit nature.
The present generation is at a turning point. Only very slowly have terms such as sustainabiliy, ecological balance, climate technology, and the environment started to impact the thinking of the political and economic elites. So far they have persisted in ignoring the idea of environmental protection, and rapid rethinking and radical actions are largely not to be expected. On closer inspection, the likelihood that humanity will only learn from these disastrous dealings with nature through hardship and suffering is greater than the prospect of these dramatic and alarming developments being tackled promptly and decisively. This will require not only "good governance" but a variety of initiatives and the unflinching readiness to develop a common approach.