With Amazon on fire, Brazil faces global backlash

RIO DE JANEIRO – As dozens of fires scorched large swaths of the Amazon, the Brazilian government Thursday struggled to contain growing global outrage over its environmental policies, which have paved the way for runaway deforestation of the world's largest rain forest.

The fires, many intentionally set, are spreading as Germany and Norway appear to be on the brink of shutting down a $1.2 billion conservation initiative for the Amazon.

http://www.startribune.com/with-amazon-on-fire-brazil-faces-global-backlash/557931002/