Brazilian Environmental Law:
Easier Written Than Implemented

Overview
On this morning, the group is privileged to attend a lecture given by Professor Paulo Affonso Leme Machado, Professor of Environmental Law, touted by some as the “Father of Brazilian Environmental Law.” He focuses on the lengthy Brazilian constitution that secures environmental integrity for both humans and non-human organisms. However, as the group has seen throughout the trip, the enforcement of and compliance with laws in Brazil is largely unsuccessful. After an overview of Brazilian environmental law, a discussion ensues about environmental issues in both the U.S. and Brazil, and each students offers examples of things they have seen first-hand at home. Work groups follow the engaging lecture in the afternoon…