Brazil's Lula Faces Backlash for Pre-COP30 Oil Auction Threatening Amazon
Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, known for his climate protection stance, has faced backlash for a recent oil and gas auction. Critics argue the move, just before COP30, threatens Indigenous territories and undermines Brazil's credibility as host.
On 17 June 2025, Brazil's National Agency for Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) held a fossil fuel auction. It offered 172 blocks, including 68 in the Brazilian Amazon, with 47 in the Amazon estuary area. No Environmental Assessment of Sedimentary Area (AAAS) was conducted prior to the concessioning.
The auction, dubbed the 'Auction of Death' by Gisela Hurtado of Stand.earth, puts Indigenous territories at risk and defies the Paris Agreement. Chief Jonas Mura of the Mura People warned it brings destruction, pollution, poverty, and disease to the Amazon. Critics argue it undermines Brazil's credibility as COP30 host and sends mixed signals to the international community.
Multinational giants Chevron, CNPC, ExxonMobil, and Petrobras acquired oil blocks in the Amazon. Ilan Zugman of 350.org Latin America criticized the decision, stating it contradicts environmental protection promises and misses an opportunity for renewable energy transition. The Federal Public Prosecutor's Office filed for an injunction due to procedural flaws and insufficient impact analysis.
The auction, which proceeded without the free, prior, and informed consent of Indigenous and traditional communities, violates ILO Convention 169. As Brazil prepares to host COP30, this move raises questions about its commitment to climate protection and sustainable development.
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