A new four-lane highway in Belem, Brazil, for the COP30 summit is clearing vast areas of the Amazon rainforest, prompting criticism from conservationists and locals. Despite claims of sustainability, the project threatens local ecosystems and livelihoods, with minimal financial assistance for those impacted. The Brazilian government has invested heavily in infrastructure improvements in advance of the summit.
A significant expanse of Amazon rainforest is being cleared to construct a new four-lane highway in Belem, Brazil, in preparation for the upcoming COP30 climate summit. This highway, referred to as Avenida Liberdade, spans eight miles and aims to alleviate traffic for the over 50,000 attendees expected at the conference in November. This large-scale deforestation has incited anger among conservationists and local residents, highlighting a stark contradiction at a climate event focused on environmental preservation.
Despite the deforestation’s negative impact, state officials have described the highway as a project with “sustainable” features, claiming the construction will include wildlife crossings, bike lanes, and even solar lighting. On the other hand, the local ecosystem suffers as trees are felled and logs accumulate along the cleared path. The Brazilian government is actively promoting infrastructure developments as part of the summit preparations, including new hotels and port renovations for accommodating cruise ships.
The initiative faced various environmental objections previously but has been resurrected in the current context of the summit. Notably, Adler Silveira, the state secretary, has identified this highway as part of a larger modernization effort involving 30 different projects in Belem. Moreover, the government has committed over $81 million to enhance the airport’s capacity significantly.
Local communities are voicing concerns over the impact of such developments. Claudio Verequete, a resident of Belem, expressed his frustration regarding the loss of trees from which he previously harvested acai berries. He indicated that the state government has not offered him any financial assistance as he navigates the challenges of losing his source of income, relying solely on personal savings.
In conclusion, the construction of the Avenida Liberdade highway in Belem, Brazil, for the COP30 climate summit has resulted in extensive deforestation, raising concerns among conservationists and local inhabitants. The project’s supposed “sustainable” features are contradicted by the environmental devastation it causes. Local residents face economic hardships with minimal assistance, underscoring the tensions between infrastructure development and the preservation of vital ecosystems. Furthermore, such actions raise critical questions about the commitment to environmental integrity at a summit intended to address climate change issues.
Original Source: www.indiatoday.in
