Date: 9 Mar 2007
Owner: White House
Source Type: Images
This photograph from March of 2007 shows Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, commonly known as Lula, and U.S. President George W. Bush at a joint press conference in Sao Paolo, Brazil. The two presidents discussed trade relations, the American community, and energy issues, especially the use of ethanol. Brazilian ethanol is made from its abundant sugarcane and Brazil is one of the world leaders in powering vehicles with renewable energy sources, although serious questions have been raised by environmental and labor activists about the social and ecological consequences of Brazil's massive expansion in sugarcane cultivation for ethanol production.
President Lula took office in 2003 and will stay in power until 2011. Construction of the proposed Angra III nuclear plant ceased in 1985 due to lack of funds, yet Lula and other government ministers are contemplating renewing the project. In May of 2007, Lula stated that if new endeavors for hydroelectric plants- delayed by environmental concerns- cannot be begun in the near future, then Brazil will once more focus its efforts on nuclear facilities. A decision on whether or not work will recommence on Angra III (which is estimated to cost about $3.5 billion USD) is expected very soon.
CITATION: President George W. Bush and Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva smile as they field questions from reporters Friday, March 9, 2007, during a joint press availability in Sao Paulo. White House photo by Paul Morse. U.S. Government Graphics and Photos.
DIGITAL ID: 12968
