A proposed law in Brazil risks “significant environmental harm and human rights violations,” potentially reversing decades of environmental safeguards, including those for the Amazon rainforest, according to a UN expert speaking to BBC News.
Astrid Puentes Riaño, a UN special rapporteur, has criticized plans to expedite approvals for development projects, raising concerns as Brazil prepares to host the COP30 climate summit later this year.
Earlier this month, Brazilian lawmakers approved measures aimed at streamlining environmental licensing for infrastructure projects such as roads, dams, energy facilities, and mines, though the bill awaits formal presidential approval.
Critics have labeled the proposal the “devastation bill,” warning it could lead to environmental degradation and increased deforestation.
Proponents argue that the new nationwide licensing framework would simplify the often lengthy and complex process for companies to demonstrate that their planned projects will not cause unacceptable environmental damage.
Under the proposed changes, certain developers would be allowed to self-declare their environmental impact through an online form for projects deemed smaller, a move that supporters say would reduce bureaucracy, but critics view as a significant concern.
Ms. Riaño told the BBC that she fears the relaxed regulations would “apply to some mining projects” and “impact the Amazon region.”
She also expressed “very worried” about plans for the automatic renewal of project licenses without major changes, stating, “This will prevent environmental impact assessments from being done on these projects. Some of the projects will include mining projects or infrastructure projects where a full assessment is needed.”
“It will also cause deforestation. Modifications or continuations of projects might mean deforestation in the Amazon without a proper assessment.”
Much of the deforestation and land-clearing in the Amazon has been driven by agriculture and mining, sometimes illegally. Ms. Riaño contends that the bill represents a step “going backwards” in efforts to prevent such activities.
Her remarks follow the recent publication of new analysis revealing extensive Amazon deforestation in 2024, with forest fires exacerbated by drought adding to deforestation pressures.
The proposed law would grant environmental agencies a 12-month period, extendable to 24 months, to decide on licensing for strategic projects. Failure to meet this deadline could result in automatic license approval.
Supporters claim this would provide businesses with certainty by preventing delays that have plagued projects, including hydroelectric dams for clean energy and rail lines for grain transport.
Ms. Riaño acknowledged the need for more efficient systems but emphasized that assessments must be “comprehensive” and “based on the science.”
The law would also ease requirements to consult indigenous or traditional Quilombola communities—descendants of Afro-Brazilian slaves—in certain situations unless they are directly impacted.
UN experts have voiced concerns that expedited assessments could limit participation and adversely affect human rights.
Advocates of the bill assert that it will stimulate economic development, including renewable energy projects, foster economic growth, and reduce costs for businesses and the state.
However, critics fear that weakening environmental protections could heighten the risk of environmental disasters and infringe upon indigenous rights.
Specifically, UN experts argue that the bill could contravene constitutional rights guaranteeing an ecologically balanced environment, potentially leading to legal challenges.
Having passed both the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, the bill now awaits presidential approval.
President Lula da Silva has until August 8th to decide whether to approve or veto the new law.
Brazil’s Environment and Climate Change Minister, Marina Silva, has strongly opposed the bill, condemning it as a “death blow” to environmental protections.
However, she has previously disagreed with the president on issues such as proposals to explore oil drilling in the Amazon basin.
Even if the president vetoes the bill, there remains a possibility that the conservative-leaning congress could attempt to overturn the veto.
Brazil’s Climate Observatory has characterized the bill as the “biggest environmental setback” since Brazil’s military dictatorship, during which road construction and agricultural expansion contributed to increased Amazon deforestation and the displacement of numerous indigenous communities.
Ms. Riaño noted that scientists in Brazil estimate the bill “will lift protections for more than 18 million hectares in the country, the size of Uruguay,” adding “the consequences are huge”.
Experts warn the move will severely curb the federal government’s ability to combat climate change.
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