Environmentalists and local residents have raised concerns after Brazil approved the clearance of eight miles of Amazon rainforest to build a road in Belem, the host city of the upcoming United Nations climate summit, Cop30.
The four-lane highway, intended to ease congestion and improve infrastructure ahead of the conference in November, has sparked fears of deforestation, habitat destruction, and displacement of local communities. The state government of Para has long proposed the Avenida Liberdade, but environmental concerns delayed the project for years. With Brazil securing its bid to host Cop30 in 2023, construction on the road began in June 2024.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has emphasized Brazil’s commitment to addressing climate change, forming international partnerships—including with the UK—to curb greenhouse gas emissions. However, the road project contradicts these efforts by increasing deforestation in one of the world’s most vital carbon sinks.
Residents who rely on the rainforest for their livelihoods have already suffered losses. Claudio Verequete, who harvests berries near the construction site, lamented, “Our harvest has already been cut down. We no longer have that income to support our family.”
Conservationists warn of the road’s potential “fishbone effect,” where primary roads lead to the creation of secondary roads, accelerating illegal deforestation and development. Researchers caution that the new highway will fragment the Belem environmental protection area and Utinga State Park, threatening over 800 species of plants and fungi.
Local authorities argue that the road is designed with sustainability measures, such as cycle lanes, solar-powered lighting, and wildlife crossings. Nevertheless, critics remain skeptical, pointing to the long history of infrastructure projects in the Amazon leading to further environmental degradation.
Belem is undergoing extensive infrastructure improvements ahead of the summit, including airport expansion, hotel development, and the possible use of cruise ships for additional accommodation. The city’s transformation is intended to showcase Brazil’s ability to host the world’s largest climate conference while demonstrating environmental responsibility.
As the road project advances, tensions between economic development and environmental conservation continue to rise. The international community will be watching closely to see whether Brazil can balance its role as both a leader in climate action and a protector of the Amazon rainforest.
