In November 2025, the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) will take place in Belém, Brazil, necessitating the construction of a new highway through the Amazon rainforest. This development has led to the clearing of eight miles of forest, raising concerns over ecological impacts and local displacement. Brazilian diplomat André Aranha Corrêa Do Lago emphasizes the critical role of forests, as local resident Claudio Verequete voices fears about future encroachment on land.
This November, the United Nations will convene in Belém, Brazil, for the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP30, which is expected to attract around 50,000 attendees. In preparation for this event, the state government of Pará has cleared eight miles of Amazon rainforest to construct a four-lane highway to facilitate access for participants. The BBC reported on the deforestation, showcasing images of the impacted forest floor cluttered with piled logs along the newly established road.
Forests play a critical role in combating global temperature increases, with the Amazon Rainforest being particularly vital. André Aranha Corrêa Do Lago, the Brazilian diplomat leading COP30, emphasized the importance of forests in his letter outlining the conference’s goals. He stated, “When we get together in the Brazilian Amazon in November, we must listen to the latest science and re-evaluate the extraordinary role already played by forests and the people who preserve and rely on them.”
Local resident Claudio Verequete, who lived near the area and previously harvested açaí berries, expressed concerns about the highway’s impact on his livelihood. He fears that future developments may further encroach upon the land, leading to displacements. “Our fear is that one day someone will come here and say: ‘Here’s some money. We need this area to build a gas station, or to build a warehouse.’ And then we’ll have to leave,” he remarked.
The highway, named Avenida Liberdade or
In conclusion, while Brazil prepares to host COP30 in Belém, the nation simultaneously undertakes destructive actions by clearing parts of the Amazon rainforest for infrastructure, which contradicts the conference’s environmental goals. Local residents face disruption and potential displacement, and scientists express concerns regarding ecological devastation. This paradox raises significant questions about the commitment to preserving vital ecosystems amidst necessary developments. The UN conference aims to address the climate crisis, yet it begins from a place of significant environmental loss.
Original Source: gizmodo.com
