deterioration
Projection from Rystad Energy shows that by 2030, Brazil’s oil production will surpass 7 million barrels of oil equivalent per day (BOEPD), boosting the country to the seventh to fifth largest oil producer in the world.
In 2024, state-owned oil giant Petrobras became incredible production Oil levels of 2.4 million barrels per day. Rulers are full supportthe company is moving forward with controversial plans to expand oil exploration at the mouth of the Amazon River, an ecologically vulnerable region.
The project poses a threat to important coral reefs, large mangroves, and the livelihoods of Indigenous peoples and communities. Beyond these immediate dangers, the risk of increasing oil spills and greenhouse gas emissions can have devastating global consequences.
Pereira emphasized that Brazil’s choice today will determine whether to curb environmental collapse or accelerate climate catastrophe.
He said: “Brazil must promote an inclusive, transparent dialogue that listens to all voices, especially indigenous communities, rather than dying of misinformation and intolerance. Deforestation grabs headlines, but deeper crisis of forest degradation continues to be checked.
acceleration
“And now, reckless projects that include the tragic proposals to drill oil at the BR-319 highway, the Ferolograo railway and the mouth of the Amazon will bring the rainforest closer to collapse.”
He added: “If these threats are ignored and buried under diplomatic pleasure, Brazil will not only fail its emission targets, but it will betray its responsibility to the planet. The time for real action is now.”
BR-319 HighwayThe 885 km stretch connects the Amazonian capital of Manaus to Portoveljo, passing through one of the most untouched regions of the Amazon rainforest.
Currently, a 406km rebuild is proposed, so this project could unleash the chain of destructiontransforming an intact ecosystem into an open gateway to deforestation, crime and corporate greed.
result Not just local, they ripple and accelerate across Brazil and the world Climate collapse And puts Indigenous communities at extreme risk.
It has been rebuilt
At the heart of this looming disaster Amacro A deforestation hotspot covering the region, Amazonas, Acres and the provinces of Rondonia. If the BR-319 is rebuilt, it opens a direct path between these heavily deforested lands and the untouched centre of the Amazon.
As the rainforest is already approaching an irreversible tipping point, this highway could be a trigger to push it up to the edge.
Rainforests have long been considered the “lungs of the Earth” and play an important role in stabilizing the Earth’s temperature. Destroying it speeds up climate change and makes extreme weather events even more frequent and devastating.
Beyond environmental catastrophes, the human costs are incredible. Highways are exposed 69 Indigenous Communitieslanding more than 18,000 indigenous people, invasion, violence and refuge.
illegal Grab the landmining and logging have already hurt Amazon, but with the newly reconstructed BR-319 these activities expand out of control.
growth
More than 6,000 km of illegal roads have already been built from BR-319, and with further expansion, organized crime will only strengthen the preservation of the region, putting both indigenous livelihoods and rainforest advocates at risk.
The threat is spreading across the land. The destruction of rainforests can disrupt the heavy “flying rivers” and atmospheric currents along with rainfall in vast areas of Brazil.
Without them, drought could destroy agriculture and water supply, affecting millions of people. What’s worse, deforestation can create conditions for something new Beast-formed beast disease Increases risk to others by jumping from wildlife to humans A global pandemic. In a world still struggling with the effects of Covid-19, this is too much of a risk to ignore.
Despite urgent warnings from leading scientists Lucas Ferrante and Philippe Fianside, the Brazilian government remains unmoved.
in presidentfull support And support from politicians, business leaders and even some. NGOBR-319 is moving forward in the name of economic growth.
Ecosystem
But the real beneficiaries are the powerful industries behind oil and gas, agribusiness and mining, both legally and illegally, and Amazon and its people suffer from the ultimate price.
“The University of Sao Paulo (USP) and the University of Amazonas Federal University (UFAM)” said Lucas Ferrante, a researcher at the University of Sao Paulo (USP) and the Federal University of Amazonas (UFAM). That’s a turning point.
“Deforestation and degradation are already seen around BR-319. If the highway is rebuilt, it could destroy the Amazon, harm Indigenous communities, and cause an irreversible chain reaction that accelerates the climate change out of control.
“The choice is clear. Listen to science, protect the rainforest, or short-term benefits destroy one of the world’s last great ecosystems. The world is watching.
Bioeconomics
At COP30, Brazil presents its commitment to building a strong bioeconomic. This is an opportunity to unleash its vast natural wealth and promote economic growth.
The center of this ambition is the aggressive expansion of biofuels, a key pillar of Brazil’s decarbonization strategy, strengthened by the fuels of President Lula’s future laws, and the country’s biofuel mandate is increasing.
But this path isn’t the case result. The rising demand for biofuel crops, sugar cane, soybeans, corn and palm oil threatens food security, promotes deforestation and places great pressure on critical ecosystems.
Land conversion It accelerates greenhouse gas emissions, but uses pesticides to promote water depletion, soil erosion and pollution. Concerns About Sustainability.
In Para, the spread of palm oil caused it Conflictcharacterized by environmental crime allegations violence For Indigenous and traditional communities.
Jorge Ernest Rodriguez Moralesa lecturer and researcher in Environmental Policy and Climate Change Governance at the Ministry of Economic History and International Relations at Stockholm University, said:
beef
“Many countries follow Brazil’s “successful” examples by integrating bioenergy into climate policy despite widespread recognition of social and environmental costs. ”
Brazil is at a critical moment. Does that bioeconomy set a global example of true sustainability, or will progress come at irreversible costs?
In 2024, Brazil witnessed a devastating environmental crisis. According to Mapbiomas“Fire monitors, an incredible 30.8 million hectares (119,000 square miles) of land was consumed in the fire, a larger area than Italy, showing a shocking 79% increase from 2023.
Already under immeasurable pressure, Amazon faced its worst year with its first fire in 17 years. At the heart of this devastation is cattle farmers, clearing up vast land for agriculture and pasture.
Meanwhile, Brazil sets strict records and exports the largest amount beef Over its history, it is equivalent to 2.89 million tonnes, $12.8 billion, as reported by the Brazilian Beef Exporters Association (ABIEC). Most of this beef went to China, followed by the US, UAE and EU.
violation
Livestock agriculture is the main driver of Amazon. destructionresponsible for 88 Percentage of Destruction of forests.
Global NGO Worldwide Witness Brazil’s three major meat packing giants, JBS, Marfrig, and Minerva, are responsible for much of this devastation. These companies are linked to the destruction of the vast forests of Mato Grosso, a larger area than Chicago.
JBS, the world’s largest beef Exporter The second largest beef produceremployed and generated more than 250,000 people worldwide. Estimated In 2024, revenue was $77 billion, contributing approximately 2.1% of Brazil’s gross domestic product (GDP).
However, the company’s profits are built on the basis of environmental degradation, deforestation and exploitation.
JBS is accused Greenwashingpromotes unsustainable practices and violates human rights, including; Child labor With a meat packing plant in the United States.
The climate wonders
Report from NGOs The mighty earth It revealed the shocking scope of these crimes. JBS, Marfrig and Minerva sourced cattle from farmers accused of illegally cleaning 81,200 hectares of land, about four times more than Amsterdam.
The farmer also linked the use of toxic chemical 2,4-D (an ingredient in agent orange) to mark the largest logging incident ever recorded in Mato Grosso.
“We’re excited to be able to help you get the chance to see us,” said Joan Goncalves, senior director of Mighty Earth in Brazil. “Our recent analysis shows that JBS is still linked to ramp-stretching of the Brazilian beef supply chain and is at the bottom of Mighty Earth scorecard when it comes to tackling the issue.
“A few weeks ago, having “zero control” in the supply chain means that JBS doesn’t care where they get their meat, including farms that destroy Amazon.
“JBS is tinkering around on edges that require traceability to cattle suppliers, while also dramatically expanding their climate-inspired meat operations.
strategy
He added: “This includes a big deal with China, backed by President Lula, who has promised to end deforestation in the Amazon by 2030, but his support for JBS’ expansion could bring Amazon closer to an irreversible turning point.
The world’s eyes are on Brazil for the COP30, and the optics are already not good for behavior that contradicts the mixed messages of the government. ”
Lula was established in 2023.”Conselhao“A council aimed at promoting sustainable socioeconomic development (cdess). The group, consisting of approximately 250 representatives from various sectors and civil society, was established to provide guidance on the development of economic, social and “sustainable” policies and strategies.
Among members of cdess The Advisory Group is a major company such as JBS, Copersucar, Cargill, Cosan, Raízen, Comgás, Novonor (formerly Odebrecht), Unilever, Braskem, Meta, Google, and Microsoft.
Sustainable
It also includes notable figures such as Eraí Maggi Scheffer, one of Brazil’s largest cotton and soybean producers. Erasmo Carlos Battistella, a businessman associated with agribusiness and biodiesel production and Rosana Amadeu Da Silva, president of the Sugarcane National Biofuel Industry Centre.
To what extent do these companies really have an impact on Brazil’s economic, social and environmental policies? Does those power extend to shaping the course of COP30?
As the world gathers at this important moment, the problem remains. Will COP30 be yet another stage in the polluting industry to continue business as normal, or will Brazil seize the opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to the planet’s future?
This is an opportunity for Brazil to stand strong and prioritize indigenous rights over forces of environmental protection, climate action, reckless development, profit and greed. The interests are higher than ever, and the world is often seen.
Will President Lula’s promises be more than just words, and will they evolve into the bold, transformative actions our planet needs so urgently? The time for decisive action is now. The world is waiting for Brazil to lead in integrity, courage and vision for a sustainable future.
This author
Monica Piccanini Regular contributors of Ecologist and a freelance writer focusing on environmental, health and human rights issues.
