The Relationship between the Evangelical and Agricultural Parliamentary Fronts in the Brazilian National Congress and Their Impact on the Climate Crisis

Since the Constituent Assembly of 1986, various social groups have organized to occupy seats and defend their rights and values in Brazil's new democracy. Among these, evangelicals, predominantly Pentecostals, and ruralists stand out, with their presence in Brazilian politics becoming increasingly significant at every election. Currently, 213 out of the 513 federal deputies belong to the Evangelical Parliamentary Front, and 290 to the Agropecuary Parliamentary Front, with several members integrating both. This paper analyzes the dynamics between these social actors concerning moral affinities and political engagement within the National Congress, focusing on legislation and discussions related to environmental issues and the climate crisis in Brazil. This analysis is based on searches in official websites and media outlets, examinations of the legislative process regarding environmental laws, and public statements from representatives of the both groups. It is observed that the neoliberal ideology constitutes the foundation for the union between those groups. As they gain strength through the accumulation of votes—an attractive aspect for both groups—legislative proposals such as the one that become known as “Poison Bill,” as it facilitates the registration of agrochemicals in Brazil and has been criticized by Fiocruz and the UN for its potential harm to the environment and human health, have been and continue to be approved by the Chamber of deputies. Thus, evangelical parliamentarians, motivated by principles that are not necessarily religious but driven by the desire for greater societal control and the strengthening of neoliberalism, contribute to the exacerbation of both Brazilian and global environmental crises while hindering potential advances in addressing emergencies. This research contributes to the debate regarding the influence and power of religious actors in Brazilian politics and their negative impact on the environment.