Brazil’s state oil company, Petrobras, has received authorization to begin exploratory oil drilling in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of the Amazon region. The drilling site will be located in a block in Amapá, approximately 500 kilometers (311 miles) from the Amazon River’s mouth, along the Brazilian Equatorial Margin. In its communications with the government, Petrobras asserted it has implemented strong environmental protection measures.
Despite this approval, numerous environmental groups, including Greenpeace, have expressed apprehensions regarding potential oil spills and their implications for the Amazon, which houses approximately 10% of the world’s known species. There are also concerns that this initiative may conflict with Brazil’s environmental commitments, particularly with the upcoming COP30 climate summit scheduled to take place in the Amazonian city of Belém.
The International Energy Agency has indicated that new oil projects should not be initiated if global climate targets, particularly the goal of net zero emissions by 2050, are to be achieved. Petrobras has announced that drilling is expected to commence immediately and will last for five months, focusing on determining whether oil and gas reserves exist in economically viable quantities, though commercial oil production is not planned at this stage.
Brazil’s Environment Minister, Marina Silva, has voiced opposition to oil exploration in the Amazon. Conversely, President Lula da Silva supports the project for its economic potential and has defended this position, emphasizing Brazil’s existing oil resources and the necessity for adherence to legal regulations. He acknowledged the responsibility for any potential environmental issues stemming from the drilling.
Additionally, other international oil companies, such as ExxonMobil and Chevron, have secured blocks in the Amazon region and are also seeking exploration licenses. Petrobras reiterated its commitment to maintaining the country’s energy security and facilitating a just energy transition while ensuring robust environmental protections during the drilling process.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm2735yp75ko?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss