WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) joined Sens. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) in cosponsoring a resolution calling for Brazil to take action to combat fires in the Amazon rainforest and to stop illegal deforestation.  The Amazon rainforest accounts for 25% of the carbon that global forests absorb each year.

“The Amazon rainforest has a global impact on our ecosystems,” said Sen. Kennedy.  “We need to address the damage that is being done to the Amazon rainforest before the damage affects us here at home.”

“The fires in the Amazon are a global emergency. This bipartisan resolution reflects that there is no disagreement about that fact. The time for action is now,” said Sen. Schatz.

“Addressing the unfortunate situation impacting the Amazon rainforest is important,” said Sen. Shelby. “These fires and the resulting deforestation affect the whole world, and something should be done to mitigate the issue.” 

A copy of the resolution is available here.

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