Brazil's recently passed law is facing sharp criticism from environmental advocates and UN experts, who argue it could lead to significant deforestation in the Amazon and violate human rights. While proponents claim it will streamline project approvals, critics warn of potential environmental abuses amid fragile ecosystems.
New Brazilian Development Law Sparks Fears of Amazon Deforestation
New Brazilian Development Law Sparks Fears of Amazon Deforestation
A UN expert warns that Brazil's new development law could severely undermine environmental protections, especially in the Amazon, as the country approaches COP30.
A troubling new law in Brazil threatens to unleash widespread environmental damage and human rights violations in the Amazon region, according to a recent warning by a UN expert. Astrid Puentes Riaño, a special rapporteur for the United Nations, has raised alarms regarding the legislation aimed at expediting approvals for various development projects, which was passed by lawmakers this month, although awaiting presidential approval.
Critics, including Riaño, have dubbed the bill the "devastation bill," arguing that it could lead to heightened environmental abuses, including increased deforestation. The proposed changes are intended to simplify the environmental licensing procedure for projects such as roads, dams, and mining operations. Supporters argue that a new nationwide licensing framework will expedite approvals and reduce the bureaucratic burden on companies, but opponents contend that this could jeopardize vital environmental protections.
Under the proposed regulations, some developers could self-declare their environmental impact via an online platform for smaller projects, a move that has been met with significant skepticism. Riaño expressed concerns that these relaxed regulations will apply to critical mining and infrastructure projects within the Amazon, posing a significant risk of environmental degradation. She emphasized that the automatic renewal process for existing project licenses could lead to deforestation without thorough environmental assessments.
Recent studies have shown disturbing rates of deforestation associated with agriculture and mining activities in the Amazon, often exacerbated by illegal practices. Moreover, Riaño highlighted that the new law does not adequately uphold the participation rights of indigenous communities, which could lead to human rights violations.
The legislation allows environmental agencies a maximum of 24 months to decide on licenses for strategic projects, with automatic approvals if deadlines are missed. While proponents suggest this would provide businesses with greater certainty, critics warn that it could invite environmental calamities and infringe upon the constitutional rights of citizens to a balanced and ecologically sound environment.
Brazil’s President Lula da Silva has an opportunity until August 8 to sign or veto the law. Meanwhile, his Environment and Climate Change Minister, Marina Silva, strongly opposes the bill, deeming it destructive to the nation’s environmental framework. Despite the potential for a presidential veto, there remains a risk that a conservative-leaning congress could override such a decision.
Brazil's Climate Observatory has characterized this proposal as the gravest setback to environmental governance since the military dictatorship era, which was notorious for its devastating impact on the Amazon. Riaño conveyed her grave concerns, estimating that the bill may strip protections from over 18 million hectares of land—equivalent to the entire area of Uruguay—portending dire consequences for the Amazon and its biodiversity.
