Brazil’s Petrobras received approval Monday to begin oil drilling near the mouth of the Amazon River, sparking criticism from environmentalists who warn the move threatens biodiversity and undermines the country’s climate leadership ahead of next month’s COP30 talks.
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has come under fire from conservationists who argue his oil expansion plans clash with his image as a global leader on climate change.
Brazil will host COP30 climate talks in the Amazon city of Belem next month.
Petrobras said drilling in the Foz de Amazonas region will begin immediately and will last for five months, after its five-year battle to get permission to explore the area.
"Petrobras met all the requirements established by (environmental watchdog) Ibama, fully complying with the environmental licensing process," the oil giant said in a statement sent to AFP.
