Brazil has authorized the clearing of eight miles of Amazon rainforest for a new highway leading to Belem, the host city for Cop30. This decision has ignited concerns among residents and environmental activists about its impact on wildlife and local livelihoods. Although proposed since 2012, the highway project has only recently advanced due to its inclusion in strategic plans following Brazil’s confirmation as the summit host.
The Brazilian government has authorized the clearing of eight miles of Amazon rainforest to construct a four-lane highway leading to Belem, the city selected to host this year’s United Nations climate summit, Cop30. This development has raised significant concern among local residents and conservationists, who argue that it threatens local livelihoods and disrupts wildlife habitats, creating dangerous conditions for various species.
The proposal for Avenida Liberdade has been under discussion since 2012; however, it faced delays predominantly due to environmental issues. Nonetheless, the road was incorporated into a strategic plan in 2020, and following Brazil’s confirmation in 2023 to host Cop30, the construction has commenced. This highway aims to alleviate traffic congestion and minimize accidents on existing routes, which has been a growing concern in the region.
The decision to proceed with the construction of the Avenida Liberdade raises critical environmental concerns that could have lasting impacts on both the Amazon rainforest and local wildlife. Despite efforts to address traffic issues, the potential destruction of critical habitats poses a significant threat to the ecosystem.
Original Source: www.thetimes.com
