Protest against oil drilling during Amazon summit
Protesters demonstrated in Belém, Brazil, on Aug. 6 during the international Amazon Dialogues summit, against the state oil company Petrobras' proposal to begin offshore drilling at the mouth of the Amazon River.
The proposed project is located in deep waters off the Brazillian state of Amapá. The company's application for a license was rejected by the Brazilian Institute of Environment & Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA) on May 17 due to "technical inconsistencies." According to Ibama, "The basin at the mouth of the Amazon is considered a region of extreme socio-environmental sensitivity because it houses Conservation Units, Indigenous Lands, mangroves, biogenic formations of organisms such as corals and sponges, in addition to great marine biodiversity with endangered species."
Petrobras filed an appeal against Ibama’s decision on May 23, contending they had fulfilled all technical requirements and were prepared to meet any additional demands. However, Marina Silva, Brazil's minister of Environment & Climate Change, affirmed that the central government would uphold IBAMA's decision.
The Amazon Dialogues were hosted by Silva's ministry, and brought together representatives from governments across the Amazon Basin.
From Jurist, Aug. 7. Used with permission.
Amazon preservation pledges amid hottest month on record
Eight countries that share the Amazon rainforest pledged on Aug. 8 to prevent deforestation, but climate activists have criticised the deal for lacking concrete measures and for allowing each country to pursue separate conservation goals. Preserving the Amazon is seen as key to fighting climate change because the rainforest absorbs vast amounts of carbon dioxide. The leaders of Amazon nations met in Brazil the same day climate scientists announced that July 2023 was the hottest month on record.
On Aug. 8, Brazilian President Lula da Silva failed to secure a common commitment to end deforestation by 2030. The next day, Amazon leaders joined leaders from the Congo Basin and Southeast Asia in demanding $200 billion per year from rich countries in exchange for rainforest preservation. (TNH)