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About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 24, 2019)
A7 THE ASTORIAN • SATuRdAy, AuguST 24, 2019 Brazil may send army to contain Amazon fires France accuses president of lying, threatens economic retaliation By VICTOR CAIVANO Associated Press PORTO VELHO, Brazil — Under increasing international pressure to contain fires sweeping parts of the Amazon, Brazil- ian President Jair Bolsonaro said Friday he might send the military to battle the mas- sive blazes. “That’s the plan,” said Bolsonaro. He did not say when the armed forces would get involved but suggested that action could be imminent. Bolsonaro has previously described rain- forest protections as an obstacle to eco- nomic development, sparring with critics who note that the Amazon produces vast amounts of oxygen and is considered cru- cial in efforts to contain global warming. An Associated Press journalist who trav- eled to the Amazon region on Friday saw many already deforested areas that had been burned. Charred trees and fallen branches were seen around Porto Velho, the capital of Ron- donia state, which borders Bolivia. In some instances, the burned fields were adjacent to intact livestock ranches and other farms, suggesting the fires had been managed as part of a land-clearing policy. A large column of smoke billowed from one fire, and smoke rose from a couple of nearby wooded areas. Life appeared normal in Porto Velho. However, visibility from the windows of an arriving airplane was poor because of smog enveloping the region. Small numbers of demonstrators gath- ered outside Brazilian diplomatic missions in Paris, London and Geneva to urge Brazil to do more to fight the fires. Neighboring Bolivia and Paraguay have also struggled to contain fires that swept through woods and fields and, in many cases, were set to clear land for farming. About 2,900 square miles of land has been AP Photo/Victor R. Caivano Fire consumes the jungle Friday near Porto Velho, Brazil. affected in Bolivia, according to Defense Minister Javier Zavaleta. On Friday, a B747-400 SuperTanker arrived in Bolivia to help with the firefight- ing effort. The U.S.-based aircraft can carry nearly 20,000 gallons of retardant, a sub- stance used to stop fires. Some 140 square miles have burned in northern Paraguay, near the borders with Brazil and Bolivia, said Joaquín Roa, a Par- aguayan state emergency official. He said the situation has stabilized. Close to 20% of the Amazon has already been deforested, according to Thomas Lovejoy, a George Mason University envi- ronmental scientist. “I worry that the current deforestation will push past the tipping point leading to massive loss of forest and biodiversity,” Lovejoy said. Brazil is “turning its back” on past envi- ronmental achievements, including the 1992 Earth Summit, and has proposed infrastructure projects that will accelerate the challenge of climate change, he said. “Fires are directly burning into the Ama- zon rainforest and that releases the carbon stored in those trees,” said Doug Morton, a NASA scientist. “The carbon then enters the atmosphere as carbon dioxide or meth- ane, where it contributes to the greenhouse gases that are causing climate change, bringing us a warmer and a drier planet.” Morton said there is now “an uptick in the pressure against the remaining Amazon forest, to expand agriculture production in areas that are the leading edge in the defor- estation frontier.” Fires are common in Brazil in the annual dry season, but they are much more wide- spread this year. Brazilian state experts reported nearly 77,000 wildfires across the country so far this year, up 85% over the same period in 2018. Just over half of those fires have occurred in the Amazon region. Brazil contains about 60% of the Amazon rainforest. In escalating tension over the fires, France accused Bolsonaro of having lied to French leader Emmanuel Macron and threatened to block a European Union trade deal with several South American states, including Brazil. Ireland joined in the threat. The specter of possible economic reper- cussions for Brazil and its South American neighbors show how the Amazon is becom- ing a battleground between Bolsonaro and Western governments alarmed that vast swathes of the region are going up in smoke on his watch. Ahead of a Group of Seven summit in France this weekend, Macron’s office ques- tioned Bolsonaro’s trustworthiness. Brazilian statements and decisions indi- cate Bolsonaro “has decided to not respect his commitments on the climate, nor to involve himself on the issue of biodiver- sity,” Macron’s office said. It added that France now opposes an EU trade deal “in its current state” with the Mercosur bloc of South American nations that includes Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. German Chancellor Angela Merkel views the fires as “shocking and threaten- ing,” according to government spokesman Steffen Seibert. Argentina, which is struggling with ris- ing poverty and austerity measures, has offered to send emergency workers to Bra- zil and Bolivia to help put out the fires. The White House said in a statement that it is deeply concerned about the impact of the Amazon fires on communities, biodiver- sity and natural resources in the region. The Brazilian government has said Euro- pean countries are exaggerating Brazil’s environmental problems in order to disrupt its commercial interests. Bolsonaro, who has said he wants to convert land for cattle pastures and soybean farms, said it was dif- ficult to curb increasing deforestation with limited resources. “It’s not easy to fight deforestation, our Amazon area is bigger than all of Europe,” he said. “We’ll do what we can to fight this crime.” OBITUARIES Billionaire conservative donor David Koch dies at 79 Knappa March 26, 1951 — Aug. 16, 2019 corporate money in American politics. “I was taught from a young age that involvement in the public discourse is a civic duty,” David Koch wrote in a 2012 op-ed in NEW YORK — Billionaire industri- the New York Post. “Each of us has a right alist David H. Koch, who with his older — indeed, a responsibility, at times — to brother Charles poured a fortune into make his or her views known to the larger right-wing causes, transforming the community in order to better form it as a American political landscape and shap- whole. While we may not always get what ing U.S. policies on such issues as climate we want, the exchange of ideas betters the change and government regulation, died Fri- nation in the process.” day at 79. Some prominent Republicans praised The cause of death was not disclosed, his legacy upon his death, with libertari- but Koch Industries said Koch, who an-leaning Sen. Rand Paul of Ken- tucky saying “his many contribu- lived in New York City, had con- tended for years with various ill- tions will have lasting impact on our nesses, including prostate cancer. country.” A chemical engineer by training, On the other side of the politi- Koch was an executive in the fam- cal divide over Koch, Beth Rotman ily-run conglomerate, the Libertar- of the government watchdog group ian Party’s vice-presidential candi- Common Cause said the Kochs date in 1980 and a major benefactor David and their network of like-minded Koch wealthy donors “undermined so of educational, medical and cultural many important American val- organizations. But he and his brother became best known ues over the past several decades as part of for building a political network dubbed the the Kochs’ attempted corporate takeover of “Kochtopus” for its many-tentacled support American politics.” of conservative and libertarian causes, can- Among other things, the Kochs and their didates and think tanks, including the Cato company bankrolled a decades-long move- ment to cast doubt on man-made climate Institute. The brothers in 2004 founded the anti- change and to hinder efforts to fight global tax, small-government group Americans for warming through reducing greenhouse gas Prosperity, which remains one of the most emissions. powerful conservative organizations in U.S. “David Koch will likely be remembered politics, and they were an important influ- as one of a small handful of individuals who singlehandedly thwarted efforts to act ence on the tea party movement. While celebrated on the right, the Koch on climate change and other pressing envi- brothers have been vilified by Democrats ronmental threats aimed at preserving our and others who see them as a dark and con- planet for future generations,” said Penn- spiratorial force, the embodiment of fat-cat sylvania State University climate scientist capitalism and the corrupting influence of Michael Mann. Donna Lee (Olsen) Geisler passed away She and Rocky also enjoyed many camping very peacefully, with family by her side, on trips with their grandchildren every summer. Friday, Aug. 16, 2019, at Oregon Health & She always looked forward to spending time with her family and friends. Science University Hospital in When her grandchildren, Ali- Portland, Oregon. sha and Mitchell, were born she She was born in Seaside, Ore- gon, to Jean Marie (Mole) Welch was very involved with their and Robert Alan Olsen on March lives. Donna very rarely missed 26, 1951. At a young age, the fam- a Knappa sports game, even after ily moved to Willows, Califor- her grandchildren graduated from high school. She was a wonder- nia. Her mother remarried, and ful cook, and loved putting a meal Donna and her two brothers, Rob- bie and Chuck, moved to Orland, together. Her favorite was mak- ing her Christmas Eve clam chow- California. Donna Geisler der and Christmas Day prime rib. She attended school in Orland Donna dedicated her life to her until her junior year of high school, when she moved to Knappa, Ore- husband, children and grandchildren. Donna was preceded in death by her gon, in 1967. She then attended Knappa High School, where she and her future hus- mother, Jean Marie (Mole) Welch; her band, Rocky, graduated in 1969. brother, Robbie Welch; and her father, Rob- Donna and Rocky were married on April ert Olsen. She is survived by her husband of 49 4, 1970. While Rocky was in the Army serv- ing during the Vietnam War, she attended years, Rocky Geisler; her two sons, Jeff Clatsop Community College and worked at (Susan) Geisler and Chris (Jennifer) Geisler; Oregon Laundry while caring for their first granddaughter, Alisha (Taylor) Falls; grand- son, Jeff. She did this with the help of her son, Mitchell Geisler; brother, Chuck Welch; in-laws, Frank and Elsie Geisler. Their sec- aunt, Lillian Mole; brother-in-law, Monty ond son, Chris, was born three years later, (Cheri) Geisler; and numerous beloved and the family moved into the Geisler fam- cousins, nieces and nephews. ily home in Knappa, Oregon. There will be a funeral service at the After their two boys started school, she Crossroads Community Church in Svensen, went back to work as a teller at Benjamin Oregon, on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019, at Franklin Bank in Astoria, Oregon, until 11 a.m., with a potluck to follow. At 2 p.m., there will be a graveside ser- the early 1990s. Donna was very involved in her local community. She helped for vice at Knappa Prairie Cemetery in Knappa. Caldwell’s Luce-Layton Mortuary is in many years with the original Knappa Days, Knappa Summer Recreation, Lower Colum- charge of the arrangements. Please sign the bia Four-Wheelers and Clatskanie Cruisers. online guest book at caldwellsmortuary.com In lieu of flowers, please make dona- She loved traveling with Rocky, and they enjoyed many cruises, trips to Hawaii, tions to the Knappa High School Athletic drives across the U.S. and car club events. program. Donna Lee (Olsen) Geisler By STEVE PEOPLES and JENNIFER PELTZ Associated Press SEVENDAY FORECAST FOR ASTORIA TODAY SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY REGIONAL FORECAST Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows. Seattle 70 54 69 53 72 57 Nice with sunshine Partial sunshine Partly sunny 76 58 78 58 74 57 Mostly sunny; Mostly cloudy pleasant Sunny 73 57 Mostly cloudy Aberdeen Olympia 70/54 74/57 Wenatchee Tacoma Moses Lake 75/53 ALMANAC UNDER THE SKY TODAY'S TIDES Astoria through Thursday Tonight’s Sky: Moon at last quarter (7:57 a.m. PDT). Astoria / Port Docks Temperatures High/low ................................ 68/53 Normal high/low .................. 69/53 Record high .................. 94 in 1942 Record low .................... 41 in 1987 Precipitation Thursday ................................. 0.00” Month to date ........................ 0.89” Normal month to date ......... 0.70” Year to date .......................... 25.60” Normal year to date ........... 37.64” Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2019 Time 8:50 a.m. 7:59 p.m. 5.0 2:25 a.m. 7.2 1:56 p.m. Cape Disappointment 8:19 a.m. 7:53 p.m. Source: Jim Todd, OMSI Hammond SUN AND MOON Sunrise today .................. 6:25 a.m. Sunset tonight ............... 8:10 p.m. Moonrise today ........... 12:15 a.m. Moonset today .............. 3:39 p.m. Last New First Full 8:37 a.m. 8:00 p.m. Warrenton 8:45 a.m. 7:54 p.m. Knappa 9:27 a.m. 8:36 p.m. Depoe Bay Aug 23 Aug 30 Sep 5 Sep 13 7:44 a.m. 7:03 p.m. 1.0 2.8 4.6 1:43 a.m. 6.7 1:11 p.m. 0.8 2.8 5.1 2:03 a.m. 7.2 1:36 p.m. 0.8 3.0 5.4 2:09 a.m. 7.6 1:40 p.m. 1.1 3.0 5.3 3:26 a.m. 7.5 2:57 p.m. 0.8 2.5 5.2 1:16 a.m. 1.2 7.4 12:38 p.m. 3.4 City Atlanta Boston Chicago Dallas Denver Honolulu Houston Los Angeles Miami New York City Phoenix San Francisco Wash., DC Today Hi/Lo/W Sun. Hi/Lo/W 88/70/t 74/61/s 75/58/s 93/75/pc 89/60/pc 90/79/pc 90/77/t 85/64/pc 91/78/t 78/65/s 102/83/s 80/62/pc 81/65/s 82/70/c 70/59/pc 78/65/pc 97/79/s 96/59/s 89/77/pc 92/78/t 87/65/pc 91/78/t 73/63/pc 105/86/s 80/59/pc 80/67/pc Weather (W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow fl urries, sn-snow, i-ice. 89/59 Hermiston The Dalles 88/59 Enterprise Pendleton 83/44 85/56 81/57 La Grande 85/49 80/52 NATIONAL CITIES High (ft.) Time Low (ft.) 80/50 Kennewick Walla Walla 86/60 Lewiston 90/59 74/54 Salem Pullman 84/51 Longview 70/54 Portland 77/57 82/54 Yakima 87/57 74/48 Astoria Spokane 81/59 Corvallis 81/51 Albany 81/53 John Day Eugene Bend 83/51 85/46 87/52 Ontario 97/59 Caldwell Burns 90/43 95/57 Medford 94/57 Klamath Falls 88/45 City Baker City Brookings Ilwaco Newberg Newport Today Hi/Lo/W 89/45/pc 71/53/s 68/57/pc 78/52/pc 69/52/pc Sun. Hi/Lo/W 81/40/s 73/58/s 67/55/pc 77/52/s 68/51/pc City North Bend Roseburg Seaside Springfi eld Vancouver Today Hi/Lo/W 71/55/s 86/57/s 69/55/pc 83/53/s 75/55/pc Sun. Hi/Lo/W 71/55/s 86/55/s 69/54/pc 81/50/s 75/53/pc
