*Brazil’s Massive Oil Expansion Ignores Science—and Its Own COP30 Commitments* In the very month Brazil positions itself as a global climate leader—set to present its green credentials at the UN climate talks in Bonn on June 17, a key preparatory meeting ahead of COP30—President Lula’s administration has taken two profoundly contradictory steps: Approved a key step toward oil drilling in Block 59, a highly controversial offshore site near the mouth of the Amazon River—one of Earth’s most ecologically sensitive regions. Pushed a Senate bill that drastically weakens environmental impact assessments, including those required for oil and gas projects—effectively sidelining science in critical development decisions. These decisions follow just months after Brazil stunned observers by announcing it would join OPEC+—in the very same week as COP28 in Dubai, where global leaders gathered to accelerate fossil fuel phase-outs. On stage at that summit, President Lula cried openly, mourning the destruction of our planet. Yet behind closed doors, his administration was aligning itself with the world's most powerful fossil fuel cartel. Days later, Brazil announced another round of offshore oil auctions. This isn’t climate leadership—it risks being seen as betrayal. Brazil’s real climate wins are at risk In 2023, President Lula achieved major successes, including a 50% drop in Amazon deforestation. Enforcement returned. Land grabs slowed. Brazil was rebuilding its global reputation as a climate protector. These gains matter deeply—but drilling and selling billions of barrels of oil would erase them entirely. The atmosphere doesn’t distinguish between carbon released by a chainsaw or by an oil rig. Some have criticized Brazil’s role as COP30 host due to deforestation linked to highway construction near Belém, the future summit site. Yes, it is deeply ironic to cut rainforest to make way for a climate conference focused on saving it. But building roads—even if controversial—is fundamentally different from drilling billions of barrels of oil and gutting environmental protections. Every nation, including Brazil, has the right to economic development and modern infrastructure—just as countries in the Global North have long enjoyed. The key is safeguarding nature where infrastructure is not essential. A highway may wound the forest; oil extraction wounds the future. Constructing roads does not lock in planetary collapse. Pumping oil does. So instead of fixating on the roads to Belém, the world should focus on the pipelines from Block 59. That’s where the real contradiction lies. Block 59: A carbon bomb waiting to explode Brazil’s environmental agency, Ibama, recently approved Petrobras’ emergency oil spill response plan for Block 59, offshore in the Amazon Delta region. This approval allows Petrobras to move forward with field simulations—such as wildlife rescue drills—but it is not yet a license to drill. Final approval remains pending, contingent on operational verification. Environmental experts believe approval is likely later this year. The block is estimated to hold up to 5.6 billion barrels of oil. Burning this oil would release 2.35 billion metric tons of CO₂. • That's more emissions than Germany produces in 3 years. • More than 40 years’ worth of Sweden’s emissions. • All from just one single project. And this is only the beginning: • 47 additional blocks in the same basin are scheduled for auction. • Over 330 fossil fuel blocks nationwide are part of Brazil’s next licensing round. Politics are trumping science Brazil’s climate promises vs. reality Brazil has pledged emissions cuts of 59–67% by 2035 and aims for net-zero by 2050. Yet burning just the oil from Block 59 would consume up to 25% of Brazil’s total remaining carbon budget. There is no credible scientific pathway for Brazil to meet its climate goals while pursuing this aggressive fossil fuel expansion. Yes, Brazil faces economic pressures, and oil revenue might fund social programs or infrastructure. But financing progress with fossil fuels is like fighting fire with gasoline. Real progress lies in accelerating green investments—not doubling down on oil. Redirecting investment to solar, wind, and reforestation could create jobs and sustain progress, aligning Brazil’s economy with its climate goals. Then came the gutting of oversight On May 21, Brazil’s Senate passed a bill, backed by Lula’s administration, effectively eliminating environmental impact assessments for many major projects—including oil and gas. The bill now heads back to the Chamber of Deputies and is expected to pass easily. A presidential veto is possible but unlikely. If enacted, this law allows fossil fuel companies to self-license major projects, with minimal oversight or accountability. This is governance sacrificed for profit—environmental destruction disguised as progress. This is exactly why we must #makesciencegreatagain Brazil is saying one thing and doing another: • No country can join OPEC+ in the middle of a climate emergency and still claim leadership. • You don’t schedule massive oil auctions while hosting COP30. • You don’t cry for the Earth while fueling its collapse. The world wants to believe in Brazil’s climate leadership. President Lula has shown he can lead—but true leadership requires more than good intentions. It demands tough choices, consistent actions, and above all, unwavering respect for science. President Lula, the world is watching: 🌍 The Amazon doesn’t need more pipelines. It needs protection. ⚠️ COP30 must not become another stage for greenwashing. 💚 Protecting forests means nothing if financed by fossil fuels. You still have a choice. Veto the bill. Cancel the oil auctions. Walk away from OPEC+. Choose science. Choose courage. Choose real climate leadership. Because we don’t have time for contradictions. Mr. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, I look forward to your response to this Climate Review and invite you to share your perspective. Your predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro, responded publicly on We Don't Have Time to a ⚠️ Climate Warning he received. I expect no less from you. The world is watching—and many of us believe you may be the only one who can truly set things right. Your leadership matters. We count on you. 📚 Sources • Brazil’s intent to join OPEC+ announced during COP28 week • Offshore oil auction held one week after COP28 • Ibama approves simulations for oil exploration in the Equatorial Margin • Estimated oil volume in Block 59: 5.6 billion barrels • June 17 oil auction including 47 blocks in the same basin • Senate approves licensing that reduces environmental control - 05/21/2025 • Senate bill ending environmental assessments passed May 21, 2025 • Brazil’s climate target: 59–67% emissions cut by 2035 Cellule de Communication FORED. *ABONNEZ-VOUS À NOTRE CHAÎNE POUR NE RIEN MANQUER !* Contact: +243824632845