Amid scientific evidence that Peru could be one of the three nations hit hardest by the effects of global warming, the country has finally created its first environment ministry.  Alan Garcia, the president of the country says the first challenge of to the new ministry will be protecting the Amazon rainforest. Garcia believes that preserving the rainforest is imperative to the fight against climate change. Peru has one of the biggest stretches of Amazon rainforest in the world, second only to Brazil.

The ministry initiative can't come soon enough for some Peruvians who believe this step should be taken long ago, especially with scientists predicting that the country's tropical glaciers will disappear within the next 25 years. The Andes mountains in Peru host over half of the world's tropical glaciers.

Meanwhile, Latin American and European leaders have united at a summit this week to discuss climate change. Garcia believes the topics of reforestation and carbon trading need to be addressed, and feels that a fossil fuels tax should be implemented to create a global reforestation fund. Some residents believe the ministry was formed quickly due to the summit, while others are wary the incentive has more to do with the issue of a bilateral trade deal with the U.S. as opposed to genuine concern for preserving the environment.

» BBC