Weekly Report - 01 February 2024 (WR-24-04)

Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro declared a natural disaster this week, and appealed for international aid as forest fires ravage the country. More than 17,000 hectares of forest have been destroyed since November last year, with some 20 blazes still active, including one near Bogotá which some 600 firefighters have been battling. The Petro administration expressed its gratitude in particular to Peru for its assistance in combating the fires, which it attributed to the weather phenomenon El Niño and climate change. But Peru’s helping hand is being extended at a time when congress is being accused of heightening the risk of the outbreak of devastating fires in the country by approving an amendment to a forestry and wildlife law, which contravenes environmental commitments.

End of preview - This article contains approximately 370 words.

Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article

Not a Subscriber?

Choose from one of the following options

• Subscribe
• Sign up for a one-time, 14-day trial