Brazil's promises to slash forest losses 'empty', researchers say ahead of Biden summit Reuters 4/19/2021 By Mauricio Angelo BRASILIA, April 19 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Brazil's updated national climate change plan would allow the country to step up forest losses to a rate 78% above those before President Jair Bolsonao took office and 20% above last year's levels, Brazilian researchers said. As Bolsonaro prepares to take part in U.S. President Joe Biden's international climate summit this week, Brazil's plan - announced in December - shows a lack of ambition to tackle climate change that could undermine global efforts, they said. Bolsonaro's administration has overseen large-scale expansion of farming, ranching and mining in the Amazon and other natural areas of Brazil as the country pursues economic development.