Brazil Greenlights Amazon Oil Drilling Ahead of COP30

Brazil's government has approved exploratory drilling by Petrobras near the Amazon River mouth, just weeks before the COP30 climate conference. Energy Minister Alexandre Silveira emphasized the importance of energy sovereignty and environmental responsibility. The move has drawn criticism from environmental and Indigenous groups due to potential risks.

Brazil's government has given the green light to state-run oil giant Petrobras for exploratory drilling near the mouth of the Amazon River. This decision arrives mere weeks before the United Nations climate conference COP30 in Belem, where reducing fossil fuel reliance will be a primary agenda.

The approved drilling will take place at the Equatorial Margin deposit off Brazil's coast, a region believed to be abundant in oil and gas reserves. Petrobras announced that drilling in block FZA-M-059, located 175 kilometers off the coast of Amapa state, could commence immediately and last up to five months.

Energy Minister Alexandre Silveira hailed the decision as pivotal for Brazil's energy sovereignty, asserting the drilling would adhere to environmental standards. However, the move has faced opposition from environmentalists and Indigenous groups due to the region's ecological sensitivity and the ongoing clamor for sustainable practices.

(With inputs from agencies.)