Deforestation for Highway Construction Raises Concerns Ahead of COP30 Summit

A vast area of the Amazon rainforest is being cut down for a new highway in Belém, Brazil, in preparation for COP30. Despite claims of sustainability, the project has provoked substantial anger amongst locals and environmentalists. Over $81 million is being invested to accommodate the expected 50,000 attendees at the summit, raising concerns of ecological disparity amid climate discussions.

Significant portions of the Amazon rainforest are being removed to construct a new four-lane highway in Belém, Brazil, for the upcoming COP30 climate summit scheduled for November. This highway, named Avenida Liberdade or “Avenue of Liberty,” spans eight miles and aims to alleviate traffic congestion expected from the influx of over 50,000 participants. However, conservationists and local residents express their outrage over the deforestation connected to a conference focused on climate preservation.

The state government claims that the highway project carries sustainable attributes; yet, vast areas of protected forest have been cleared. Logs are stacked along the road’s path, which extends more than 13 kilometers. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva stated that this year’s summit would embody a “COP in the Amazon” rather than merely discussing it.

Environmental concerns previously halted the project’s progress, but the urgency of preparing for the COP summit has led to the approval of various infrastructure initiatives. Adler Silveira, the state’s secretary, highlighted this highway as one of 30 modernization projects in Belém, which will feature wildlife crossings, bike lanes, and solar lighting. Infrastructure expansions, including a redevelopment of the port and hotels, constitute part of the preparations for the anticipated event.

The Brazilian government has allocated over $81 million to enhance the airport’s capacity from 7 million to 14 million passengers. However, local residents, such as Claudio Verequete, lament the loss of their means of livelihood, including access to acai berry trees. Verequete shared that he has received no financial support from the state and is presently relying on personal savings to sustain his family.

The construction of a new highway in Belém for the COP30 climate summit has resulted in significant deforestation, raising concerns among conservationists and local residents. While the state government defends the project’s sustainability, the project has led to the displacement of communities and loss of livelihoods. With the government investing heavily in preparations for the conference, it remains crucial to balance infrastructural development with ecological preservation.

Original Source: www.indiatoday.in