The International Community's Claim to Rights in Brazilian Amazonia

Abstract

The ‘internationalization’ of Brazil's rainforest raises political and philosophical questions about the nature of rights and duties to preserve natural resources. The international community, particularly the United States, is arguing that it has a right to the preservation of the rainforest. As a corresponding duty, Brazil is being held uniquely responsible for the preservation of its Amazonian rainforest. Until the means (and burdens which attend them) can be equitably distributed among nations, it is unjust to obligate Brazil alone to preserve the rainforest while other countries, particularly the industrialized ones, hold the rights to enforce preservation.