Aug 26, 2019 - Energy & Climate

G7 leaders agree to $20 million aid package for Amazon fires

Marisa Fernandez

Emmanuel macron — French President Emmanuel Macron. Photo: Jeff J. Mitchell/Pool/Getty Images

World leaders at the G7 summit agreed Monday to a $20 million aid package to help Brazil and neighboring South American countries fight fires in the Amazon rainforest, according to an announcement from French President Emmanuel Macron and Chilean President Sebastián Piñera.

Why it matters: Macron has been a main driver in ensuring world leaders address the severe climate impact of deforestation in the Amazon despite Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's refusal of any foreign aid.

The big picture, according to the New York Times: The announcement followed a G7 climate meeting focused on oceans and biodiversity, but President Trump was the only leader to not attend the meeting. A senior White House staffer participated in his place.

Go deeper: The Amazon rainforest — Earth's lungs — is burning

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G7 leaders agree to $20 million aid package for Amazon fires

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