Ana Lamas, Argentina’s Environment Undersecretary, has resigned amid heightened criticism over her management of public funds and in light of forest fires and discussions of leaving the Paris climate accords. Fernando Jorge Brom will replace her, becoming the latest in a series of departures from President Milei’s administration, prompting concerns over the environmental department’s stability and upcoming commitments to climate change protocols.
Argentina’s President Javier Milei has experienced the resignation of his 121st official, Environment Undersecretary Ana Lamas, due to personal exhaustion amidst ongoing forest fires and a potential withdrawal from the Paris climate accords. Lamas communicated her resignation to her associate, Cabinet Chief Guillermo Francos, although she stated there were no conflicts with him or fellow Secretary Daniel Scioli.
The decision to resign emerged after Lamas faced criticism regarding her allocation of public funds, with specific focuses purportedly unrelated to the forest fire crisis that has affected southern Argentina. Following her departure, Fernando Jorge Brom will assume the role, confirmed government sources, after a preliminary meeting with Scioli.
Lamas’s tenure began in December 2023 and has faced scrutiny, especially concerning a controversial withdrawal from COP29 on Climate Change, instructed by the Foreign Ministry. She previously asserted that President Milei believes human activity is not solely responsible for climate change.
With Lamas’s resignation, there is potential for additional high-level departures within the environmental portfolio, exacerbating uncertainty in a department that possesses several pending vacancies. This leadership gap may hinder the development of essential reports linked to Argentina’s commitments under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
In conclusion, the resignation of Ana Lamas as Environment Undersecretary under President Milei underscores the increasing challenges faced by the administration, particularly regarding climate policy amid severe environmental crises. The transition to her successor, Fernando Jorge Brom, and potential further departures within the department raise concerns about continuity in environmental leadership and commitments to international agreements.
Original Source: www.batimes.com.ar
