A new four-lane highway is cutting through protected Amazon rainforest to accommodate the COP30 climate summit in Brazil, sparking outrage over the environmental cost of hosting an event meant to address climate change.
The Brazilian government had previously shelved plans for the highway, known as Avenida Liberdade, due to environmental concerns. However, with Belém set to host COP30 in November 2025, the project was revived to ease traffic congestion for the 50,000 expected attendees, including world leaders.
Construction crews have already cleared an eight-mile stretch of forest, displacing local communities and wildlife, as reported by the BBC.
While state officials defend the project as a "sustainable highway" with eco-friendly features, conservationists warn it will fragment ecosystems and accelerate deforestation.
Many residents, like açaí harvester Claudio Verequete, have reportedly lost their livelihoods with no compensation. Critics argue the destruction contradicts the very mission of COP30, which is intended to promote global environmental action.
The controversy surrounding the highway adds to the growing scrutiny of climate summits, which have been criticized for their environmental impact—particularly the high number of private jets used by attendees.
With leaders set to discuss global climate policies in Belém, activists fear the deforestation for infrastructure will undermine the credibility of the event.
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