In the lead-up to the upcoming UN climate talks to be held in the Amazon, Brazil is rapidly advancing policies that appear to contradict President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s previous environmental promises, revealing internal discord within his administration. The country’s environmental agency has approved plans for offshore drilling near the Amazon’s mouth and permitted rock blasting along a rainforest river, while legislative efforts aim to decrease the recognition of Indigenous lands and streamline rainforest infrastructure projects.
These initiatives are stirring controversy, especially as the nation prepares to host the COP30 climate summit. Environmental advocates are expressing concerns that these moves undermine Lula’s portrayal of Brazil as an environmental steward making progress in mitigating Amazon deforestation. “What will Brazil present at COP30 in November?” questioned Cleberson Zavaski, head of the National Association of Environmental Public Servants. “Will it just be another list of commitments that clash with what the country is actively pursuing, such as expanding highways and oil exploration?”
Despite Lula’s campaign focus on environmental protection, juxtaposed against former President Jair Bolsonaro’s tenure characterized by increased deforestation, Lula has backed Petrobras’ appeal after Brazil’s environmental watchdog initially rejected its exploratory drilling bid off the Amazon coast. He criticized the regulator for perceived delays, suggesting it was hindering governmental efforts. This month, the Brazilian Institute of the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA) granted approval for an emergency plan facilitating the drilling. Shortly after, it allowed a contentious rock-blasting project along the Tocantins River, aimed at transforming it into a key soybean shipping route to China, despite local opposition.
The Federal Prosecutor’s Office contested this decision, filing a lawsuit that claims the authorization was illegal due to unaddressed environmental study concerns. Since assuming office in 2023, Lula has contended that Brazil can achieve development while safeguarding the environment. “Countries like France, the U.K., Norway, and the U.S. produce oil too. Brazil boasts the cleanest energy mix globally: 90% of our electricity stems from renewables,” Lula asserted in a recent interview with a French publication. Brazil’s economy is heavily reliant on oil exports, which continue to rise even as the nation derives most of its electricity from hydropower and other green sources.
Responses from the president’s chief of staff were not obtained. Meanwhile, legislative developments further compound the issue. On May 21, the Senate passed legislation that reduces federal agencies’ environmental licensing authority, aimed at accelerating projects selected as priorities by the government, slashing the approval process drastically, and imposing a deadline on reviews. It circumvents reviews for highway upgrades, potentially paving the way for completing BR-319, a highway traversing a pristine Amazon area. Environmentalists warn this will lead to significant rainforest destruction.
While Lula’s Workers’ Party opposes the bill, it’s expected to clear the lower Congressional chamber. Lula has not publicly stated his stance but is predicted to permit most changes with some alterations, despite expectations he may formally oppose sections of the environmental bill. Congress has concurrently signed off on provisions complicating Indigenous land demarcations and is advancing other legislation to further weaken licensing regulations. Multiple reports suggest Lula will likely endorse these sweeping changes.
The Climate Observatory, an alliance of over 130 environmental, academic, and civil groups, criticizes these moves, claiming they collectively threaten environmental protections and Indigenous rights, risking catastrophic impacts on the Amazon, the world’s largest tropical forest, and contributing to global climate issues. Bruce Babbitt, a former U.S. Interior Secretary and Amazon Conservation board member, also condemned the bill, warning it would facilitate the Amazon’s devastation and urging Brazilian citizens and international allies to oppose it.
The licensing bill is exposing rifts within Lula’s government. Environment Minister Marina Silva claims the legislation erodes essential environmental safeguards, but her influence appears diminished. Reports indicate promises have been made by Chief of Staff Rui Costa, who assured the bill’s sponsor of Lula’s non-opposition to key licensing adjustments, while Transportation Minister Renan Filho lauded the bill for advancing highway projects.
In a recent press event, Lula expressed appreciation for Silva, labeling her “loyal,” and acknowledged that disagreements between different governmental ministries, like the environmental and others, are common. However, some see parallels in Silva’s growing marginalization to her resignation during Lula’s previous administration when agribusiness influence surged. João Paulo Capobianco, the environment ministry’s executive secretary, echoed her concerns, warning of a potential “setback” in environmental protection but noted ongoing efforts with Lula’s cabinet to reconcile efficiency demands with preserving the licensing framework.