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What happens in Brazil doesn’t stay in Brazil. The future of the Amazon rainforest has consequences for our climate, our food systems, and our health around the world.

In this episode of Expanding Health, Dr. Avriel Diaz sits down with Brazilian environmental social scientist Dr. Laila Sandroni to unpack a dramatic election, the grassroots movement that helped shape its outcome, and what Brazil’s political future means for the world’s largest tropical rainforest.

From the devastating rise in Amazon deforestation and wildfires to the power of Indigenous communities protecting biodiversity, we explore why environmental policy is ultimately health policy.

Laila also shares an extraordinary firsthand account of how millions of Brazilians mobilized through WhatsApp, social media, and street demonstrations, transforming political despair into collective action and hope.

We discuss the Amazon’s role in regulating rainfall, supporting food production, storing carbon, and protecting human health. And we ask a bigger question: What can the rest of the world learn from Brazil about democracy, community, and protecting the places that keep us healthy?

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Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information presented is not a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual health needs. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking care because of information presented in this podcast. Views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or podcast.