President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was included in the list of the 100 most influential people in 2023, according to the US Time magazine, one of the most prestigious weekly publications in the world. Lula’s profile is signed by the former Vice President of the United States, Al Gore.
In the text, the Brazilian is appointed as a “climate champion”, in a context of political actions to mitigate the effects of climate change. “After years of environmental degradation and destruction sanctioned by the State, the people of Brazil chose a new path by electing a climate champion in Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva,” wrote Al Gore.
The profile highlights that, as president, Lula promised to strengthen Brazil’s position in the world, renewing the country’s commitment to democracy, justice and economic equity. “But in no other area can it cause a more significant impact than in the climate and biodiversity crises”, he pointed out, citing the increase in deforestation in the Amazon in recent years.
“President Lula promised to protect the Amazon, and he has done it before – reducing deforestation by 72% in his previous term. From combating forest loss to accelerating the transition to clean energy in Brazil, President Lula’s leadership will be critical in this decisive decade for climate action,” he added.
Lula appears in the “leaders” category, alongside politicians such as the presidents of the United States, Joe Biden, and of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, the German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, and the first lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska.
The list of the 100 most influential people in the world includes, among others, politicians, artists, businessmen and sportsmen and does not establish a ranking order. No other Brazilian appears on this year’s list.
Last month, Time also released the list of the 12 women of the year in 2023. One of those chosen was minister of racial equalityAnielle Franco.
In 2019, the ex-president Jair Bolsonaro also made Time’s influential list, described as a “complex character” alongside leaders like Donald Trump and Xi Jiping.
