Breaking Ground: The "Avenue of Freedom" and COP30's Controversial Path
- Contributor: Peter Carstens
- Time to read: Approx. 2 mins
Constructing a thoroughfare within the jungle, with the aim of boosting environmental preservation - Brazil's strategy. - Constructing jungle roadway in Brazil - safeguarding climate integrity
The world's eyes turn to Brazil as the stage is set for the November 2024 COP30 climate conference in Belém. While the event is dubbed "The Road to Belém," a literal road, the "Avenida Liberdade," is stirring controversy amongst environmental activists. The proposed 13-kilometer, four-lane highway carves through sections of untouched jungle, causing concern and backlash.
Satellite imagery from the EU's Copernicus program indicates deforestation along roughly half the length of the planned route as early as October 2024, shedding light on environmental harm. Tracing its origins back to 2012, the project has faced repeated delays due to environmental concerns. Despite this, the current timeline aims to have the road completed for COP30, accommodating the transport of around 60,000 attendees.
Brazil's Minister of Infrastructure for the state of Pará, Adler Silveira, defends the highway as "sustainable," promising wildlife crossings, bike lanes, and solar-powered lighting. However, experts warn that the road will fragment animal populations, isolating various species.
Reports from the BBC detail instances of local residents being harmed by the road construction, yet receiving no compensation from the state. Additional concerns surround the potential for continued destruction once the road makes access easier.
Infrastructure Projects Abound Ahead of COP30
In preparation for the conference, Pará and Belém have planned additional infrastructure projects, such as expanding the airport to accommodate 14 million passengers per year and creating a 500,000 square meter urban park with green spaces, dining options, and sports facilities. Proposals to house conference-goers on cruise ships have drawn criticism due to the added emissions and waste.
The Amazon rainforest, often referred to as the "Earth's lungs," plays a critical role in our planet's carbon cycle and is a key focus at COP30. While Brazil's new government has shown some early success in curbing deforestation, a recent study indicates that only approximately a quarter of the original Atlantic rainforest remains today.
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- Highway
- Despite the upcoming COP30 climate conference in Belém, Brazil in 2024, the proposed "Avenida Liberdade" highway is facing criticism from environmental activists due to its potential destruction of rainforest areas.
- An infrastructural initiative by Pará and Belém ahead of COP30 includes plans to expand their airport and create a large urban park. However, the proposal to house conference-goers on cruise ships has sparked controversy due to increased emissions and waste.
- The Amazon rainforest, a vital component of the Earth's carbon cycle, is under threat, with only approximately a quarter of the original Atlantic rainforest remaining today. This key focus at COP30 emphasizes the need for effective community and employment policies that balance development and environmental conservation.
