In a disturbing development, a new law in Brazil has garnered criticism for its potential to inflict “significant environmental harm and human rights violations,” particularly in the Amazon region, according to a UN expert. Astrid Puentes Riaño, a UN special rapporteur, voiced her apprehension in an interview with BBC News, labeling the initiative as a severe regression in protective measures that have been in place for decades. The legislation aims to expedite the licensing process for various development projects such as roads, dams, energy plants, and mining, with impending discussions surrounding its approval occurring before Brazil hosts the COP30 climate summit later this year.
Although lawmakers have already approved the plans, President Lula da Silva has yet to officially endorse the bill. Critics have referred to the new legislation as the "devastation bill," contending that it poses significant risks of environmental abuse and rampant deforestation, particularly through its provisions that allow developers to self-declare their environmental impact for smaller projects. Riaño warned that this could pave the way for unchecked environmental exploitation, particularly concerning mining initiatives in the Amazon.
Another point of concern is the proposal to automatically renew project licenses absent significant changes, which Riaño argues could bypass crucial environmental impact assessments and exacerbate deforestation issues. She pointed out that prior measures aimed to combat illegal deforestation driven by agriculture and mining are now being undermined by the new law. With alarming reports documenting extensive Amazon destruction in recent months, fueled by a combination of forest fires and human actions, the stakes have never been higher.
The bill sets a timeline of 12 months (extendable to 24) for environmental agencies to render decisions on strategic project licenses. Failure to meet these deadlines could result in automatic licensing, a move supporters claim would enhance business predictability by mitigating delays in project approvals. However, Riaño countered that while efficiency is necessary, it is imperative that assessments remain thorough and informed by scientific data.
Further complicating the situation is the law's provision that would lessen consultation requirements with indigenous communities unless they are directly impacted, which raises significant human rights implications. UN experts have expressed concern that these provisions could undermine public participation and compromise the rights of indigenous populations.
Proponents of the bill argue it will foster economic growth, particularly in renewable energy sectors, thereby contributing positively to the economy and reducing operational costs for businesses. Critics, however, warn that such weakening of environmental laws could culminate in ecological disasters and infringe on the rights of indigenous peoples, potentially clashing with constitutional rights ensuring an ecologically sound environment—suggesting possible legal challenges ahead.
With both the Senate and Chamber of Deputies having approved the bill, the decision now rests with President Lula, who must choose to sign or veto it by August 8. Environmental and climate change Minister Marina Silva has publicly condemned the legislation, labeling it a "death blow" to environmental protections. Nevertheless, the possibility remains that Congress could override a presidential veto. Brazil's Climate Observatory has voiced that this legislative move could mark one of the most significant environmental setbacks since the nation’s military dictatorship, which saw detrimental impacts on the Amazon's ecosystems and indigenous dislocation. Riaño emphasized alarming projections where the bill could roll back protections on over 18 million hectares of land, equivalent to the size of Uruguay, underscoring the potentially far-reaching consequences of such legislative changes.
Although lawmakers have already approved the plans, President Lula da Silva has yet to officially endorse the bill. Critics have referred to the new legislation as the "devastation bill," contending that it poses significant risks of environmental abuse and rampant deforestation, particularly through its provisions that allow developers to self-declare their environmental impact for smaller projects. Riaño warned that this could pave the way for unchecked environmental exploitation, particularly concerning mining initiatives in the Amazon.
Another point of concern is the proposal to automatically renew project licenses absent significant changes, which Riaño argues could bypass crucial environmental impact assessments and exacerbate deforestation issues. She pointed out that prior measures aimed to combat illegal deforestation driven by agriculture and mining are now being undermined by the new law. With alarming reports documenting extensive Amazon destruction in recent months, fueled by a combination of forest fires and human actions, the stakes have never been higher.
The bill sets a timeline of 12 months (extendable to 24) for environmental agencies to render decisions on strategic project licenses. Failure to meet these deadlines could result in automatic licensing, a move supporters claim would enhance business predictability by mitigating delays in project approvals. However, Riaño countered that while efficiency is necessary, it is imperative that assessments remain thorough and informed by scientific data.
Further complicating the situation is the law's provision that would lessen consultation requirements with indigenous communities unless they are directly impacted, which raises significant human rights implications. UN experts have expressed concern that these provisions could undermine public participation and compromise the rights of indigenous populations.
Proponents of the bill argue it will foster economic growth, particularly in renewable energy sectors, thereby contributing positively to the economy and reducing operational costs for businesses. Critics, however, warn that such weakening of environmental laws could culminate in ecological disasters and infringe on the rights of indigenous peoples, potentially clashing with constitutional rights ensuring an ecologically sound environment—suggesting possible legal challenges ahead.
With both the Senate and Chamber of Deputies having approved the bill, the decision now rests with President Lula, who must choose to sign or veto it by August 8. Environmental and climate change Minister Marina Silva has publicly condemned the legislation, labeling it a "death blow" to environmental protections. Nevertheless, the possibility remains that Congress could override a presidential veto. Brazil's Climate Observatory has voiced that this legislative move could mark one of the most significant environmental setbacks since the nation’s military dictatorship, which saw detrimental impacts on the Amazon's ecosystems and indigenous dislocation. Riaño emphasized alarming projections where the bill could roll back protections on over 18 million hectares of land, equivalent to the size of Uruguay, underscoring the potentially far-reaching consequences of such legislative changes.
