Marina Silva affirmed that the environmental licensing for the Equatorial Margin’s oil exploration will be based on Ibama’s technical analysis. This statement follows President Lula’s critique of Ibama for slow progress in reviewing Petrobras’s request. Silva emphasized the significance of protecting public institutions and the urgency of transitioning to renewable energy amidst the upcoming COP30 conference.
On February 25, Brazilian Environment and Climate Change Minister Marina Silva confirmed that the environmental licensing decision regarding oil exploration in the Equatorial Margin will rely on a thorough technical assessment by the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama). “The upcoming decision will be a technical one. If it’s ‘yes,’ it’s technical; if it’s ‘no,’ it’s technical. The ones who will decide are Ibama’s technicians, for sure,” stated the minister after attending COP30’s event.
Silva’s comments followed President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s criticism of Ibama for delaying the review of Petrobras’s exploratory drilling request in the Amazon River’s estuary. Lula suggested that Ibama’s slow pace might indicate resistance to government directives. Silva clarified that it is Lula’s role to ensure the integrity of public institutions like Ibama and ICMBio, which oversees conservation areas.
Since taking office, Silva has aimed to protect Ibama from various governmental pressures, particularly from sectors like the Ministry of Mines and Energy and various political representatives. As Brazil prepares to host COP30, there is increasing pressure on the government to align its climate policies with global expectations, particularly concerning fossil fuel dependence.
“Bringing the COP to Brazil is more than a signal; it is a commitment to the climate agenda,” asserted Silva, referencing Lula’s statements promoting a transition away from fossil fuels. She called for a significant increase in renewable energy sources and improvements in energy efficiency to address climate change effectively.
At the same event, Silva also reinforced Brazil’s commitment to the Mission 1.5 initiative, which aims to limit global temperature rise in line with the Paris Agreement. “This is an effort, a race, that the whole world is undertaking, and Brazil is part of it,” Silva remarked, acknowledging Brazil’s relatively clean energy mix compared to other nations.
COP30 CEO Ana Toni remarked on the challenges for multilateral action in climate change efforts, highlighting the complex international political climate, including the upcoming elections in the United States that could impact global collaboration.
Brazil’s Environment Minister Marina Silva emphasizes a technical approach to the environmental licensing of oil exploration at the Equatorial Margin, distancing the decision-making from political pressures. The government faces expectations to uphold climate commitments as it prepares to host COP30, with a focus on transitioning away from fossil fuels and increasing renewable energy efficiency. Amidst political challenges, commitment to addressing climate change remains vital.
Original Source: valorinternational.globo.com
