When Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva assumed office in early 2023, many environmentalists felt a sense of relief. After facing four years of environmental degradation under his right-wing predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro, Lula promised to protect the climate. However, just over two years later, that relief has turned to disappointment. Prior to Brazil’s hosting of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), Lula is advocating for oil exploration at the mouth of the Amazon River and his government has approved joining the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC+). Critics argue that Brazil should be leading the climate debate, rather than investing more in the oil industry. Brazil is one of the world’s largest oil exporters and wants to increase their share of the market, to become the fourth-largest global exporter. Brazilian officials defend the move, citing the country’s need for growth, development, and job creation. While Brazil will not be a full member of OPEC, environmentalists criticize the decision, seeing it as a cements Brazil’s oil ambitions. However, Lula argues that oil revenues are necessary to finance green energy transition projects. The country is also experiencing the impacts of climate change, including severe droughts and wildfires, which have affected millions of people. Despite new climate goals submitted by Brazil, the targets do not include any restrictions on oil exports.

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/is-brazil-abandoning-its-climate-promises/a-72000689?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf