Brazil is constructing Avenida Liberdade, a highway in Bélem, for the COP30 climate conference, despite criticism over its impact on protected rainforest areas. The project aims to improve traffic and infrastructure but raises significant environmental concerns. Public opinion is divided, highlighting both economic benefits and ecological drawbacks.
Brazil is undergoing significant developments in Bélem, the city that will host the upcoming COP30 climate conference in November. With a population of 1.3 million, the city is creating a central square that will feature various amenities, including a metal walkway, kiosks, rain gardens, and a playground. Additionally, plans include improvements to rainwater drainage, sewage systems, cycle paths, and clean energy infrastructures.
However, the proposed construction of a four-lane highway, Avenida Liberdade, has drawn criticism as it will traverse tens of thousands of acres of protected Amazon rainforest. The highway, intended to alleviate traffic for an expected 50,000 attendees at the conference, is reportedly 20 percent complete, according to regional government authorities.
The local Vice-Governor Hana Tuma has described the highway as both a dream and a transformative project for the metropolitan area. In contrast, local resident Claudio Verequete expressed his discontent, stating that the destruction of trees has eliminated his source of income without any compensatory measures from the government.
Conversely, some residents, such as Dalci Cardoso da Silva, view the project positively, noting the city’s rejuvenation and increased economic opportunities. Adler Silveira, the state’s infrastructure secretary, referred to the highway as a significant mobility initiative, contributing to sustainability. Nevertheless, concerns about environmental degradation persist, as the highway will intrude upon the Metropolitan Belém Environmental Protection Area, which has regulations against activities that could harm the environment. Images corroborate ongoing construction within this protected zone.
In summary, while Brazil’s preparation for the COP30 climate conference includes significant urban developments in Bélem, the construction of the Avenida Liberdade highway raises environmental concerns due to its location within a protected rainforest area. Local voices present a mixed perspective, citing both the potential economic benefits of improved infrastructure and the detrimental impact on the environment and local livelihoods. The juxtaposition of sustainable initiatives against ecological degradation exemplifies the complexities surrounding such large-scale projects.
Original Source: nationalpost.com
