Satellite images suggest that construction of Avenida Liberdade highway is underway in Brazil’s Amazon, coinciding with the upcoming COP30 climate conference in Belém. The highway, expected to be 8.2 miles long, aims to connect existing road systems but raises concerns regarding potential deforestation and illegal activities linked to highway access. Environmental measures are being incorporated, while the project aims to address transportation needs for delegates attending COP30.
Recent satellite imagery indicates the construction of a new highway, Avenida Liberdade, traversing the Amazon rainforest in Brazil. This highway is located in Pará state, the same region that will host the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30). Observed by Copernicus satellites between October 2023 and October 2024, the highway construction is surrounded by extensive greenery on both sides.
The Avenida Liberdade highway is projected to span approximately 8.2 miles, with two traffic lanes in each direction, facilitating connections between existing road systems and serving as a new access route for the Belém Metropolitan Region. As of November 2024, the project was reported to be about 20% complete, as per updates on the Brazilian government’s website.
Drone footage from the BBC has revealed the removal of trees along an 8-mile stretch designated for the new highway. In addition to this project, Brazil plans to expand highway infrastructure nationwide to improve connectivity for rural and remote areas, including a significant 560-mile roadway linking Amazonas and Roraima. Currently, the BR-319 highway remains largely unpaved, posing accessibility challenges.
While paving these roads offers potential benefits for local residents in accessing essential services, concerns have been raised regarding environmental impact. Rachael Garrett, a conservation professor, noted that such highway constructions could result in a detrimental “fishbone pattern” of deforestation radiating from the roadways.
Experts warn that expanded road access may foster illegal activities such as logging and mining if not effectively monitored. Nauê Azevedo of the Climate Observatory highlighted the risks associated with increased accessibility to previously remote areas. The Amazon rainforest serves a critical role in global climate regulation, capable of sequestering massive amounts of carbon and influencing regional hydrology.
The upcoming Avenida Liberdade highway will incorporate environmental preservation features, including wildlife crossings, bike lanes, and solar-powered lighting. This infrastructure aims to ease transportation issues that may arise due to the influx of around 50,000 delegates expected at COP30, scheduled for November 10-21. Belém’s strategic location along the Pará River near the Amazon’s confluence with the Atlantic Ocean further underscores its significance as an entry point to the rainforest.
In conclusion, the construction of the Avenida Liberdade highway in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest poses significant implications for both environmental conservation and local development. While it can enhance connectivity for remote regions, it also raises concerns regarding deforestation and illegal activities. The highway is a pivotal component for facilitating access during the forthcoming COP30, reflecting the ongoing tension between infrastructure development and environmental preservation in Brazil.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
