The UN’s Cop30 climate conference is just around the corner. Delegates from all corners of the globe will meet next week to tackle pressing climate issues. The conference will take place in Belém, Brazil, near the Amazon River. Brazil is making headlines for its serious approach to climate negotiations, particularly in pushing for better emissions targets and climate finance for developing nations.
However, Brazilian President Lula da Silva faces criticism for balancing climate advocacy with support for the oil industry. Recently, Brazil’s environmental agency, IBAMA, approved a license for Petrobras to explore oil off the Amazon’s coast. This has raised alarms, especially given the risks of oil spills damaging the rainforest, a habitat for 10% of the world’s known species.
Earlier this year, BP made its biggest oil discovery in 25 years off the Brazilian coast. This discovery aims to increase BP’s oil production from 2.3 million to 2.5 million barrels per day by 2030. The implications of increased oil exploration in sensitive areas like the Amazon raise several questions about sustainability.
Taily Terena, a young activist from the Terena Nation, expressed her disappointment with Brazil’s oil ambitions. “We don’t need more oil exploration near the Amazon. Brazil has ample energy resources,” she explained. Taily, living in the Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetland, faces firsthand consequences of climate change, including severe fire risks during dry seasons.
In June 2024, wildfires swept through 440,000 hectares of the Pantanal, causing unprecedented destruction. According to the World Weather Attribution group, these fires were significantly more severe due to climate change, highlighting the urgent need for effective climate policies.
The local community believes that agricultural businesses are behind many of these fires; data suggests 90% are human-caused. Yet, the penalties for such actions are minimal, allowing harmful practices to continue unchecked. Taily emphasizes that clearer climate principles are vital for addressing these challenges. “We must do better to protect ourselves from climate issues,” she stated.
On a hopeful note, Taily sees potential for Brazil’s role in climate discussions at Cop30. The Lula administration is known for its diplomatic effectiveness. After years of climate talks held in less environmentally friendly settings, the inclusion of civil society activists could lead to impactful outcomes. “With voices from Brazil and around the world, we can effectively argue against fossil fuel extraction,” she said.
As we head into the Cop30 talks, the tension between Brazil’s environmental responsibilities and its oil pursuits remains a critical conversation. Taily’s passion for climate action underscores the importance of grassroots voices in shaping future policies.
For more information on Brazil’s climate initiatives and actions, you can check out Global Citizen’s coverage on the matter.
