Brazil is clearing thousands of acres of Amazon rainforest for a new highway ahead of COP30 in Belém, raising serious environmental concerns. Wildlife experts warn about the loss of habitats affecting biodiversity, while the state insists on the highway’s sustainability. Local reactions are mixed, and the COP30 summit aims to address forest preservation despite the ongoing deforestation.
In Brazil, extensive areas of protected Amazon rainforest are being cleared for the construction of a new four-lane highway in preparation for the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém. Announced to accommodate over 50,000 attendees this November, this initiative has raised significant environmental concerns regarding the impact on local wildlife and ecosystems.
Professor Silvia Sardinha, a wildlife veterinarian, highlighted the detrimental effects of deforestation, noting that animals will face barriers preventing them from accessing essential habitats for breeding and living. This loss of habitat can significantly affect biodiversity and species survival in the region.
Adler Silveira, the state’s infrastructure secretary, defended the project, claiming it would be a “sustainable highway” equipped with wildlife crossings. However, residents of Belém have expressed mixed feelings, with some asserting that the highway project offers no tangible benefits, while others anticipate overall improvements for the city.
The Pará state government has been planning the construction of “Avenida Liberdade” since 2012; however, the project faced repeated delays due to environmental concerns. Alongside the highway construction, the federal government also plans to enhance the local airport and create a new city park spanning 500,000 square miles.
Despite the ongoing deforestation, one of the primary objectives of COP30 is to promote the “preservation of forests and biodiversity.” This summit marks the first time COP is held in the Amazon. COP30 president-designate André Aranha Corrêa Do Lago emphasized the need to listen to scientific input during the summit and recognize the crucial role of forests in mitigating climate change. He noted that reversing deforestation could significantly aid in greenhouse gas removal from the atmosphere and rejuvenate ecosystems.
The construction of a highway in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest raises critical concerns regarding environmental preservation and wildlife habitat. While local government officials claim the project will contribute to sustainability and enhanced mobility, experts warn of the detrimental impacts on biodiversity. As COP30 approaches, the initiative poses a contradictory narrative against its intended focus on forest preservation, highlighting the challenges of reconciling infrastructure development with environmental stewardship.
Original Source: www.foxnews.com
