Mercury in the Amazon: The danger of a single story

Amazon conservation is essential for the global future. Mercury is currently among the worst global pollutants and most (78.5%) of the South-American emissions are from the Amazon. Current Brazilian legislation on mining activities and trade of gold, and economic interests in soy, beef and large-scale projects such as dams, are key influences in mercury mobilization and emissions in the Amazon with the potential to affect the global envi-ronment. However, banning mercury in mining, while desirable, is not an efficient strategy if no other action is taken. The interconnected issues, such as exports (soy, beef and gold) and energy generation, must be addressed together to provide effective protection for human health and the environment. Realistically, to improve mercury emissions in the Amazon, we must stop looking solely at the single story (a limited view of reality) of sup-posedly artisanal and small-scale gold mining in the region and understand the complex economic, social, political, and international aspects of this problem. We propose some recommendations for international agencies, governments, communities and the private sector.

Automated summary

Amazon conservation is crucial as the region is a major source of global mercury emissions. Brazilian legislation on mining and trade, as well as economic interests in soy, beef, and large-scale projects, contribute to the release of mercury in the Amazon, which can have global environmental impacts. To effectively address this issue, it is necessary to consider the interconnected issues of exports and energy generation, and to understand the complex economic, social, political, and international aspects. Recommendations are proposed for international agencies, governments, communities, and the private sector.