Brazil’s Highway Construction Threatens Amazon Rainforest Ahead of Climate Summit

The construction of a highway through the Amazon rainforest in Belem, Brazil, has ignited outrage among locals and environmentalists ahead of the COP30 climate summit. This project threatens vital ecosystems and contradicts the climate conference’s goals, leading to calls for reconsideration of Brazil’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

The Amazon rainforest plays a critical role in combating climate change, and a new four-lane highway being constructed in Belem, Brazil, poses potential threats to its ecosystem. As Brazil prepares to host the COP30 climate summit in November, the government’s claim of ‘sustainable’ development is being met with strong backlash from both locals and environmental advocates. The highway, aiming to manage traffic during the summit—expected to attract over 50,000 attendees—will destroy vast areas of protected rainforest.

Opponents of the highway emphasize that its creation directly contradicts the objectives of the climate conference, as the Amazon is known for its capability to absorb carbon dioxide and maintain biodiversity. The construction site features piles of logs left behind on cleared land, exemplifying the loss of the once-thriving wilderness.

Local resident Claudio Verrequete has been directly affected, having lost his açaí berry harvesting livelihood due to the destroyed trees, and he expresses concerns regarding potential encroachment by businesses. Without compensation and facing walls that limit access to the highway, Verrequete feels marginalized as his community bears the adverse effects of this development.

Scientific experts, including Professor Silvia Sardinha, warn that the new road may fragment the ecosystem, endangering wildlife movements. Sardinha highlights the detrimental impact of human encroachment on animal health, providing instances of vehicle-related injuries observed in creatures treated at her facility. The highway’s inclusion in Brazil’s climate summit preparations raises significant doubts about the country’s commitment to environmental preservation during this crucial time.

In conclusion, the construction of a highway in the Amazon rainforest serves as a poignant example of the ongoing conflict between development and environmental preservation. As Brazil approaches the COP30 climate summit, this action not only threatens local ecosystems but also questions the nation’s authenticity in addressing climate change. Local communities and wildlife face dire consequences while advocates remain vocal against these government decisions.

Original Source: www.news18.com