BRASILIA, Brazil (AP) — President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil is facing criticism for urging the country’s environmental regulator to green-light exploratory drilling near the mouth of the Amazon River. Defending his stance, he argues that potential new oil revenues could be instrumental in funding a shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The proposed offshore drilling site, Bloc 59, is situated in the Equatorial Margin, approximately 160 kilometers (99 miles) off Brazil’s eastern shoreline. In a pivotal move back in May 2023, Ibama, the environmental authority, rejected a crucial license for the project, citing concerns such as the lack of a robust wildlife protection plan in case of an oil spill which could have devastating impacts on one of the world’s most biologically diverse regions. The state-run oil giant Petrobras has since lodged an appeal, and the final decision remains pending.
During a recent interview with radio station Diario, President Lula emphasized the importance of conducting thorough research to determine the existence and extent of oil resources before proceeding with exploration activities. He expressed frustration with what he perceives as bureaucratic delays and obstacles, stating, “I want [oil] to be explored. But before exploring, we need to research and see if there is oil and how much oil there is.”
The prospect of drilling near the Amazon River has raised significant concerns within Brazil, particularly as the nation is set to host the upcoming United Nations climate summit, COP30, scheduled for November in Belem, a city located near the mouth of the Amazon and in close proximity to Bloc 59. The overarching goal of such climate summits is to reduce reliance on fossil fuels like oil, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions that exacerbate global warming.
In an effort to align both objectives, President Lula proposed that revenues generated from oil exploration could be channeled towards financing clean energy initiatives. While Brazil is a major oil producer, boasting production levels comparable to Iraq, a substantial portion of its electricity is derived from renewable sources, primarily hydropower.
“We will follow all necessary protocols to ensure minimal environmental impact, but we cannot overlook the valuable resources beneath our feet and opt against exploration—especially given that this wealth could facilitate the much-needed transition towards sustainable energy sources,” emphasized Lula.
However, environmental advocates, including Marcio Astrini, the executive secretary of the Climate Observatory—a coalition of 133 environmental, civil society, and academic organizations—have voiced concerns that ramping up oil exploration near the Amazon prior to COP30 could tarnish Brazil’s reputation as a leader in climate action.
“President Lula frequently emphasizes the importance of Brazil setting an example,” Astrini remarked to The Associated Press. “Further oil exploration runs counter to the climate agenda.”
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