Argentina’s Environment Undersecretary Resigns Amidst Fires and Climate Controversy

Ana Lamas, Argentina’s Environment Undersecretary, has resigned, becoming the 121st official to leave President Javier Milei’s administration. Her resignation coincides with severe forest fires and discussions on withdrawing from the Paris climate accords. Fernando Jorge Brom will replace her, while Lamas plans to ensure urgent matters are addressed before her departure, amidst overall instability in the government’s environmental sector.

Argentina’s Environment Undersecretary, Ana Lamas, has resigned, marking the 121st departure from President Javier Milei’s administration. Her resignation comes amid rampant forest fires and President Milei’s contemplation of withdrawing from the Paris climate accords. Lamas expressed that her resignation is due to personal exhaustion, clarifying, “I have no problems with Guillermo Francos,” her colleague and Cabinet Chief.

Fernando Jorge Brom will succeed Lamas, as confirmed by government sources. Brom, already part of the Cabinet Office, met with Tourism, Environment, and Sports Secretary Daniel Scioli in preparation for his new role. Lamas’ resignation, alongside two others this week, reflects ongoing instability within Milei’s government.

Since assuming office in December 2023, Lamas faced scrutiny over her management of public funds during a critical period of environmental crises in southern Argentina. Recently, she came under fire for failing to prioritize budget allocation toward addressing the forest fires affecting the region. Presidential Spokesperson Manuel Adorni mentioned that President Milei is considering exiting the Paris Accords, which could significantly undermine Argentina’s commitments to combating climate change.

Last year, Lamas was involved in a contentious decision to withdraw Argentina from the COP29 Conference on Climate Change, acting on directives from the Foreign Ministry. Lamas had stated, “We’re withdrawing on the instructions of the Foreign Ministry.” This action has positioned the Milei administration at odds with prominent international climate commitments, and Lamas previously asserted that the President believes human activity is not entirely responsible for climate change.

As she continues her duties until her resignation is finalized, Lamas has indicated her intentions to resolve pending issues like salaries and import and export permits within the Environment Department. Recent reports suggest that her resignation may trigger further exits among senior officials within the environmental portfolio, which has faced numerous vacancies in recent months, potentially complicating Argentina’s obligations under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Ana Lamas’ resignation reflects significant turmoil within the Milei administration amid pressing environmental challenges. With the consideration of withdrawing from crucial climate agreements, the impact on Argentina’s environmental policy and international relations remains uncertain. The impending leadership changes may further exacerbate the current instability, particularly in addressing urgent issues like forest fires and climate commitments.

Original Source: www.batimes.com.ar