Brazil's recent development law is attracting significant concern ahead of the COP30 climate summit, as a UN expert warns of potential environmental damage and human rights violations tied to the new legislation. This month, lawmakers passed measures aimed at streamlining environmental licenses for critical infrastructure like roads, dams, and mines. However, UN special rapporteur Astrid Puentes Riaño criticized the move, suggesting it signifies a notable regression in environmental protections for Brazil and particularly the Amazon.
The law, often referred to as the "devastation bill" by critics, could lead to increased environmental abuses and deforestation. While supporters argue that simplifying the licensing process will benefit businesses by ensuring quicker project greenlights, detractors contend it could allow projects to bypass essential environmental assessments, especially for mining and infrastructure developments.
Under the new regulations, some projects labeled as smaller would enable developers to self-declare their environmental impact without comprehensive reviews. Riaño expressed concern that this would enable automatic license renewals without re-evaluating environmental factors, potentially accelerating deforestation during times of already heightened risks driven by illegal agricultural activities and mining.
The law mandates that environmental agencies have a 12-month timeframe—extendable to 24 months—to grant licenses for strategic projects; missing this deadline could result in automatic approvals. While proponents claim this fosters economic development and renewable energy projects, skeptics fear it undermines vital environmental safeguards, risking disasters that could affect both nature and indigenous populations.
The legislation has drawn harsh criticism from Brazil's Environment and Climate Change Minister, Marina Silva, who deemed it a "death blow" to existing protections. Despite her opposition, it's unclear how President Lula da Silva will decide on the bill, as he faces pressure on both sides. The bill has already been sanctioned by the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies and awaits the president's signature, with the decision deadline looming.
Environmentalists and UN experts emphasize that this legislative shift may diminish protections over an area more extensive than Uruguay, heightening concerns about its long-term implications for the Amazon and its communities.
