Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has been included in Time’s list of the 100 most influential people of 2023. The magazine is among the world’s most prestigious weekly publications. Lula’s profile was written by former U.S. Vice President Al Gore.
In the text, the 77-year-old leader is referred to as a “climate champion” in the context of political measures to mitigate the effects of climate change. “After years of state-sanctioned environmental degradation and destruction, the people of Brazil chose a new path by electing a climate champion in Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva,” wrote Al Gore.
The article states that Lula has promised to strengthen Brazil’s position on the global stage, renewing the nation’s commitment to democracy, justice, and economic equity. “In no other area can he have a more significant impact than in the twin crises of climate and biodiversity,” he notes, mentioning the rising deforestation rates in the Amazon in recent years.
“President Lula has committed to protecting the Amazon, and he has done it before — reducing deforestation by 72% during his previous term. From combating forest loss to accelerating Brazil’s transition to clean energy, President Lula’s leadership will be crucial in this decisive decade for climate action,” he adds.
Lula appears in the “leaders” category alongside politicians such as U.S. President Joe Biden, Colombian Gustavo Petro, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska.
Last month, Time also released the list of the 12 women of the year in 2023. Among them was Brazil’s Minister of Racial Equality Anielle Franco.
Source: Agência Brasil