"In Brazil, Paying Farmers to Let the Trees Stand"

"QUERENCIA, Brazil -- José Marcolini, a farmer here, has a permit from the Brazilian government to raze 12,500 acres of rain forest this year to create highly profitable new soy fields.

But he says he is struggling with his conscience. A Brazilian environmental group is offering him a yearly cash payment to leave his forest standing to help combat climate change.

Mr. Marcolini says he cares about the environment. But he also has a family to feed, and he is dubious that the group's initial offer in the negotiation -- $12 per acre, per year -- is enough for him to accept."

Elisabeth Rosenthal reports for the New York Times August 21, 2009.