Marina Silva, Brazil’s Environment Minister, emphasized that the outcome of the environmental licensing for the Equatorial Margin oil exploration will be determined through a strict technical evaluation by Ibama. President Lula has shown frustration over licensing delays. Silva insists that it is the President’s responsibility to uphold institutional integrity amid political pressures as Brazil gears up for COP30 and addresses climate change commitments.
Brazil’s Environment and Climate Change Minister, Marina Silva, affirmed on February 25 that the decision regarding the environmental licensing for the Equatorial Margin oil exploration project will rely on a thorough technical evaluation by the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama). She stated, “The upcoming decision will be a technical one. If it’s ‘yes,’ it’s technical; if it’s ‘no,’ it’s technical. The ones who will decide are Ibama’s technicians, for sure.”
This declaration follows President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s concerns about delays in Ibama’s review of Petrobras’s application to conduct exploratory drilling in the Amazon River’s estuary. President Lula remarked that it seemed the agency was acting “against the government” amid frustrations over the pace of the licensing process.
When questioned about her role in facilitating the environmental review process, Ms. Silva clarified that it is President Lula’s duty to uphold the integrity of public institutions, including Ibama and ICMBio. “It is President Lula who ensures respect for public institutions,” she emphasized, focusing on the technical nature of the licensing for Petrobras’s exploratory block off Amapá’s coast.
Since the beginning of her tenure, Minister Silva has worked to protect Ibama from pressures exerted by other government sectors, including the Ministry of Mines and Energy, as well as by Petrobras and certain lawmakers from northern states. This effort has gained significance as Brazil prepares to host the 30th United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP30), where the government has been urged to take a firm position on climate issues, particularly regarding oil production reduction.
At the COP30 event, Ms. Silva reiterated the need for an energy transition and expressed a commitment to tripling renewable energy supply while doubling energy efficiency. She stressed the importance of adhering to the commitments made in the “Mission 1.5,” which aims to restrict global temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, as per the Paris Agreement.
Reflecting on Brazil’s role in combating climate change, Ms. Silva stated, “This is an effort, a race, that the whole world is undertaking, and Brazil is part of it. We even have some comparative advantages because, unlike other countries, our energy mix is already clean, comparatively speaking.”
During the same event, COP30 CEO Ana Toni emphasized the need for commitment to the adaptation agenda, noting the international challenges that complicate multilateral actions against climate change. “I have no doubt that the international scenario is extremely challenging. The United States, the ongoing elections, and other governments make it increasingly difficult to strengthen multilateralism,” she remarked.
In summary, Minister Marina Silva has assured that the decision on the Equatorial Margin oil exploration project will be strictly technical, emphasizing the importance of Ibama’s independence amid political pressures. The Brazilian government is under significant scrutiny as it prepares for COP30, where commitments to climate responsibilities and a transition to renewable energy are pivotal. Silva’s efforts to uphold these environmental standards reflect Brazil’s dedication to addressing climate change effectively.
Original Source: valorinternational.globo.com
