Brazil faces backlash for approving Amazon river oil drilling ahead of COP30

The Brazilian government has given permission to Petrobras to drill oil near the mouth of the Amazon River, thereby raising environmentalists' concerns and downgrading the country’s green ambitions ahead of COP30.

After the announcement, Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva faced a backlash from climate experts and conservationists who argue his oil drilling plans go against its ambitions to portray itself as global leader on climate change.

Brazil is going to host climate talks COP 30 in Amazon city of Belem which will take place from November 10-21, 2025.

Petrobras issued a statement, stating the drilling in the Foz de Amazonas region would start immediately and would last for five months.

“Petrobras met all the requirements established by [environmental watchdog] Ibama, fully complying with the environmental licensing process,” the oil giant said.

As per details, the firm will drill at an offshore site, lying 500km from the mouth of the Amazon River at a depth of over 2800 meters.

Following the permission, the environmentalists raised concerns regarding the impact of drilling on the world's largest tropical rainforest, which is home to several indigenous communities.

According to Brazil’s Climate Observatory NGO, “The approval sabotages the Cop and goes against the role of climate leader claimed by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on the international stage.”

“The decision is disastrous from an environmental, climate, and socio-biodiversity perspective,” they added.

The Observatory said it is determined to go fight this decision in court on the grounds of “illegalities and technical flaws” in the licensing process.