SC Connecticut News

In June 2022, Dom Phillips, a British journalist working for The Guardian, and Bruno Pereira, a Brazilian indigenist and employee of Brazil’s National Foundation of Indigenous Peoples (FUNAI), were assassinated in the forests of the Javari Valley in northwestern Brazil. Phillips was documenting crimes in the region while traveling with Pereira, who was mobilizing indigenous communities to protect their land from illegal activities such as logging, fishing, and hunting. Despite confessions and charges against several individuals involved in the murders, no trial date has been set two years later. Meanwhile, indigenous environmental activists continue to face fatal threats.

On May 10, 2024, Yale’s Council on Latin American & Iberian Studies at the MacMillan Center, Yale School of the Environment, and Yale School of Public Health held a conference titled “Climate Change Crisis and Environmental Justice in the Amazon: Voices from Indigenous Peoples and Activists” to honor Phillips and Pereira. Organized by professors Claudia Valeggia, Albert Ko, and Gerald Torres, the event aimed to identify paths forward by bringing together academics focused on indigenous rights and environmental justice alongside activists, lawyers, and journalists.

“Environmental justice in the Amazon is crucial because it addresses the disproportionate impacts of environmental degradation on marginalized communities living in and around the rainforest,” said Claudia Valeggia. “By bringing indigenous leaders and activists to Yale, we hope that this conference helps amplify their voices.”

Albert Ko highlighted their commitment: “We wanted to honor Bruno and Dom...to correct the injustices occurring among the indigenous peoples in the Amazon.” He also emphasized the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health under One Health principles.

The Amazon rainforest is critical for global climate stability due to its vast carbon sequestration capabilities. João Biehl from Princeton University noted that without it, regional temperatures would rise significantly, altering rainfall patterns drastically. This would have severe economic repercussions beyond immediate deforestation profits.

The conference addressed ongoing threats to the Amazon from illegal activities like logging and mining. Violence against forest defenders increased notably during Jair Bolsonaro's presidency (2019-2023). Eliane Brum from SUMAÚMA pointed out corruption's role in exacerbating these issues: “Maybe very soon...the Amazon forest will turn into a place where [it is] completely dominated by organized crime groups.”

Panelists also discussed atrocities in Colombia and Ecuador involving environmental degradation and forced displacement of indigenous peoples. A recurring theme was centering indigenous voices in conservation efforts—a cause championed by Phillips and Pereira.

Joênia Wapichana emphasized protecting indigenous lands as essential barriers against deforestation: “There is no other way to stop global warming but to implement indigenous values.” Olimpio Guajajara underscored his community's voluntary work defending their territory: “Without the forest...there will be no rain… My people...will want to drink some water.”

Beto Marubo shared his resolve inspired by Pereira’s dedication: “We respect FUNAI...but we are going to do whatever it takes.” Gerald Torres thanked participants for their hopeful messages despite adversities faced.

Alessandra Sampaio announced founding the Dom Phillips Institute aimed at educating about Amazon through local knowledge sharing. Journalist friends continue Phillips' work on his unfinished book "How to Save the Amazon."

The conference called attendees into action beyond academic discussions. Beto Marubo urged: “Please help us. We need more Doms and Brunos acting!” Brum stressed urgency: “Our words need action because time is running out.”

Co-sponsors included Yale MacMillan Center’s Program on Peace and Development; Yale Center for Environmental Justice; Oscar M. Ruebhausen Fund at Yale Law School.