Brazil is constructing a highway in the Amazon rainforest ahead of the COP30 climate summit, prompting criticism for exacerbating deforestation. The project is seen as contradictory to climate goals, threatening local livelihoods and wildlife movement. Concerns about the impact of this highway on the environment and local communities continue to mount.
The Amazon rainforest, crucial for combating climate change, faces significant threats as Brazil constructs a new four-lane highway in Belem, just months before the COP30 climate summit scheduled for November. This project, described by the state government as a means of promoting “sustainable development,” has raised alarm among environmentalists and locals alike due to the extensive deforestation it entails.
The highway, spanning over eight miles, cuts through protected areas, necessitating the destruction of wetlands and the felling of numerous trees. Critics argue that this development undermines the purpose of the upcoming climate conference, as the Amazon’s role in carbon dioxide absorption and biodiversity preservation is vital.
Photographs reveal piles of logs scattered across the cleared landscape, highlighting the environmental degradation caused by this project. Claudio Verrequete, a local resident and açaí berry harvester, has expressed concerns about losing his livelihood and has received no compensation for his losses, fearing further encroachment by businesses.
Scientist and wildlife researcher Professor Silvia Sardinha warns that this highway will fragment the ecosystem, disrupting wildlife movement between two protected areas. The growing concern among scientists and locals raises critical questions about Brazil’s commitment to environmental protection in light of its role in hosting an international climate summit.
The construction of a highway through the Amazon rainforest in Brazil, leading up to the COP30 climate summit, poses significant threats to the ecosystem and local livelihoods. With environmentalists stressing the contradiction between this deforestation and the summit’s climate goals, the situation highlights pressing concerns regarding Brazil’s dedication to combating climate change while engaging in environmentally damaging projects.
Original Source: www.news18.com
