Citing problems in carrying out her job, Ms Silva resigned in 2008, being replaced by the pragmatic environmentalist Carlos Minc.

BBC: Brazil's Marina Silva launches 'sustainability party'

"Combine a weather event and environmental irresponsibility and the sum equals a tragedy, " said Carlos Minc, Rio de Janeiro's environment minister.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Minc said he wants to stop construction of homes in high-risk areas, such as river banks or steep mountain slopes -- a practice that he said was encouraged by previous governments.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS