Science and democracy must orientate Brazil’s path to sustainability

Abstract

In the search for solutions to social and environmental challenges, all world nations have contributions togive. Brazil is no exception. On the contrary, as a megadiverse country and emerging economic power, ithas a central role in this process. Between 1995 and 2014 the country made important improvements interms of human development, including higher education and environmental protection. However, thecurrent economic and political crisis threatens such advances. By reducing science funding and sideliningscientific advice in strategic environmental decisions, Brazil has veered off its path to sustainability, andseveral positive trends have already been reversed. If Brazil is to contribute to solving the challengesof improving human well-being and conserving biodiversity, it must renew its commitment to science,education and democracy.