Brazil is set to clear eight miles of Amazon rainforest for a new highway near Belem, raising environmental concerns. Originally proposed in 2012, the project was delayed but included in a 2020 plan. Construction aims to alleviate road congestion while threatening habitats and livelihoods.
The Brazilian government has announced plans to clear eight miles of Amazon rainforest to construct a four-lane highway near Belem, where COP30, the UN climate summit, will take place. This decision has raised concerns among local residents and conservationists due to its potential to disrupt livelihoods and fragment wildlife habitat.
The proposal for Avenida Liberdade was first introduced in 2012 but faced delays because of environmental concerns. However, it was revived in a 2020 planning document, and the Brazilian government confirmed its intent to host COP30 in Belem in 2023. Construction aims to mitigate traffic congestion and reduce accidents on existing roads, but critics fear the environmental impact.
The decision to clear rainforest for the Avenida Liberdade highway near Belem has sparked significant concern regarding its ecological consequences and the potential threats to wildlife and local communities. While the initiative aims to improve infrastructure and safety, the environmental degradation it entails raises questions about the commitment to sustainability, especially in light of the upcoming COP30 climate summit.
Original Source: www.thetimes.com
