On February 25, Minister Marina Silva announced that the Equatorial Margin oil exploration decision will rely on a stringent technical analysis by Ibama. This comes amid President Lula’s concerns over delays in the licensing process. Silva stressed the importance of respecting public institutions while promoting energy transition and addressing climate change commitments aligned with international agreements, particularly ahead of COP30.
On February 25, Brazil’s Environment and Climate Change Minister Marina Silva stated that the environmental licensing decision for the Equatorial Margin oil exploration will be determined through thorough technical analysis conducted by the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama). She emphasized that whether the outcome is affirmative or negative, it will be based solely on technical grounds as per Ibama’s assessments.
Ms. Silva’s remarks follow President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s recent concerns about delays by Ibama in reviewing Petrobras’s exploratory drilling request in the Amazon River’s estuary. The President indicated that he felt the agency was acting contrary to governmental interests, which prompted the Minister to clarify the independent role of Ibama in the licensing process.
During the event, when questioned about the pressure to accelerate the environmental review, Ms. Silva reiterated that ensuring the integrity of public institutions, including Ibama and ICMBio, is under President Lula’s purview. She aims to protect Ibama from influences exerted by other governmental sectors, including pressure from the Ministry of Mines and Energy and from various politicians.
With Brazil set to host the COP30, the Minister faces significant challenges regarding the nation’s climate policies, especially in balancing oil production with environmental commitments. Silva noted the importance of aligning Brazil’s actions with its commitments to reduce fossil fuel dependency, as articulated by President Lula during his remarks in the UAE.
At the event, Ms. Silva underscored the necessity of transitioning to renewable energy sources. She expressed the need to not only double energy efficiency but also to triple the input from renewable resources. Her commitment is tied to Brazil’s alignment with the “Mission 1.5” initiative, which seeks to restrain global temperature rise as stipulated in the Paris Agreement.
In a related statement, Ana Toni, the CEO of COP30, highlighted the current international climate of political challenges that can affect collective action against climate change. She expressed concern about the potential implications of these factors on multilateral efforts to tackle climate issues effectively.
Minister Marina Silva’s statements reflect Brazil’s cautious approach towards environmental licensing related to the Equatorial Margin project, emphasizing technical analysis. Her commitment to uphold Ibama’s autonomy amidst political pressures underscores the government’s dedication to climate commitments, especially as Brazil prepares to host COP30. The dual focus on renewable energy and ongoing climate initiatives illustrates Brazil’s strategic intent to position itself as a leader in environmental sustainability.
Original Source: valorinternational.globo.com
