A geopolítica ambiental na Amazônia à luz da (des) informação da gestão presidencial de Jair Bolsonaro (2019 - 2022)

Abstract

The discussion about deforestation in the Amazon revealed a significant problem, amplified by misinformation in digital media, especially during the government of Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2022). The Amazon, with 4.1 million km², faced more than 70,000 fires and record deforestation in 2021. According to the National Institute for Space Research (INPE), which has been monitoring the region since 1988, there was a loss of 800 thousand km² of forest cover. This problematic scenario was exacerbated by the dissemination of fake news, which aimed to discredit scientific data and manipulate public opinion, negatively affecting perception and environmental conservation. Given this context, the general objective of this research was to understand the fake news networks related to deforestation in the Amazon and the power dynamics between the State, Science, and Digital Media in the light of environmental geopolitics during the Bolsonaro government. Thus, the research sought, firstly, to identify the origin of information about deforestation and, secondly, to verify the main agents involved in the denial of science and its propagation methods. Furthermore, the aim was to identify the measures adopted by digital platforms and the government to block fake news and analyze the influence of data manipulation in Brazil, correlating with news from independent digital media. The methodology used was based on qualitative-quantitative documentary and bibliographic analysis based on anti-colonial and dialectical principles. Data collection was carried out on independent journalism portals, government platforms and social media, focusing on misinformation and science denial. The analysis covered the period from 1990 to 2020, with an emphasis on deforestation, global warming, fires and agriculture. Fake news was identified and quantified using analysis of information on websites and journalistic portals. The results showed that, during the Bolsonaro government, digital communication media played a crucial role in promoting government ideologies and disseminating false information. The governmental structural changes that weakened environmental oversight contributed to an alarming increase in deforestation. Misinformation has confused public opinion and undermined the credibility of scientific and environmental institutions. Therefore, it was concluded that it is essential to combat misinformation and establish robust environmental governance based on the credibility of science and transparency in information in digital media to guarantee the preservation of the Amazon and sustainability in the medium anda long-term.