Brazil Approves Amazon Oil Drilling Amid Climate Backlash

Brazil’s government has granted state-owned energy company Petrobras permission to drill for oil near the mouth of the Amazon River, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from environmental activists ahead of the COP30 UN climate summit in Brazil next month.

The long-disputed Equatorial Margin project, located off Brazil’s northern coast, is believed to contain vast oil and gas reserves. The environmental agency IBAMA approved Petrobras’ request following what it described as a rigorous licensing process, ending a five-year battle over exploration rights.

IBAMA had previously denied a similar request in May 2023, citing insufficient safeguards for local wildlife in the event of a spill. Petrobras has now been cleared to begin operations immediately, with the initial drilling phase expected to last up to five months.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has defended the move, arguing that oil revenue will help finance Brazil’s green transition. Energy Minister Alexandre Silveira added that the project strengthens the nation’s energy sovereignty.

Environmental groups, however, have condemned the approval. The Climate Observatory, a coalition of Brazilian NGOs, called the decision an act of “sabotage” against COP30, which will be held in the Amazonian city of Belém in November.

Suely Araújo, a coordinator at the Climate Observatory, criticised the government for promoting fossil fuel expansion, warning it undermines global efforts to phase out such energy sources and accelerates climate change.

Petrobras rejected environmental concerns, insisting that spill risk models indicate no likelihood of oil reaching the coast and no direct threat to Indigenous communities.