New Highway Construction in Brazil’s Amazon Raises Environmental Concerns
Satellite images reveal the construction of Avenida Liberdade highway in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest, expected to span 8.2 miles and serve key connectivity needs for the Belém Metropolitan Region. While it aims to ease traffic ahead of COP30, concerns regarding deforestation and environmental degradation have been highlighted by experts.
Recent satellite images indicate the construction of a new highway, Avenida Liberdade, cutting through Brazil’s Amazon rainforest in the state of Pará, which is set to host the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30). Captured by Copernicus satellites in late 2023 and early 2024, the images reveal an area of cleared land flanked by dense vegetation near the city of Belém, the capital of Pará.
The Avenida Liberdade is projected to span approximately 8.2 miles, featuring dual lanes in both directions. According to the regional government, this new roadway aims to connect two existing road systems and serve as an essential entry and exit route for the Belém Metropolitan Region. As reported in November 2024, the construction was about 20% complete.
Aerial footage from the BBC illustrates the environmental impacts of clearing trees along the route. The Brazilian government is pursuing the development of additional highways across the country to enhance connectivity, especially in rural and isolated areas. In the northwest, plans are underway to pave BR-319, a challenging 560-mile stretch linking Amazonas and Roraima to other regions.
While improved roadways can benefit local residents by facilitating access to essential services such as healthcare and education, experts warn that highway construction in the rainforest risks initiating widespread deforestation. Rachael Garrett, a conservation professor at the University of Cambridge, noted the formation of a “fishbone pattern” of deforestation around new roads.
Concerns for environmental degradation are heightened; Nauê Azevedo from the Climate Observatory remarked that such projects could exacerbate illegal activities like logging and mining, providing easier access for criminals to unmonitored areas. The Amazon rainforest plays a pivotal role in combating climate change, storing vast amounts of carbon and regulating global water cycles by releasing significant quantities of moisture daily.
Government officials have indicated that the Avenida Liberdade highway will include “environmental preservation measures,” including wildlife crossings, cycle lanes, and solar-powered lighting. This infrastructure aims to accommodate heightened traffic expected during COP30, which anticipates participation from around 50,000 delegates. It is significant to note that Belém’s strategic position near the confluence of the Amazon and Atlantic Ocean makes it a vital gateway to the rainforest. COP30 is scheduled for November 10 to November 21, 2025.
In summary, the construction of the Avenida Liberdade highway within Brazil’s Amazon rainforest raises important concerns regarding environmental integrity and potential deforestation. While the project aims to improve access and support local communities, the ecological repercussions could be substantial, further complicating the delicate balance between development and preservation. The upcoming COP30 conference underscores the urgency for sustainable solutions in the region.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
