Climate summit road destroys rainforest it aims to protect

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Construction of a new four-lane highway through protected Amazon rainforest has begun in preparation for the COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil. The project will destroy vast stretches of pristine forest to accommodate the influx of over 50,000 attendees, including global leaders, expected at the UN conference this November.

The infrastructure development has sparked controversy due to its apparent contradiction with the summit’s environmental goals. The construction site reveals the stark transformation, with towering rainforest remnants flanking the partially completed road, while cleared areas stretch over 13 kilometers into Belém, marked by piles of felled timber.

Heavy machinery continues to clear and pave through delicate wetland ecosystems within the protected zone. The state government’s infrastructure secretary, Adler Silveira, defended the project as one of 30 initiatives aimed at modernizing the city for both COP30 and local residents.

Climate insanity: "A new four-lane highway cutting through tens of thousands of acres of protected Amazon rainforest is being built for the COP30 climate summit…"

So let me get this straight: The climate cult is literally paving paradise, destroying nature all to build a… pic.twitter.com/D4qALYuId2

— Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) March 12, 2025

“Along the partially built road, lush rainforest towers on either side – a reminder of what was once there. Logs are piled high in the cleared land which stretches more than 13km (8 miles) through the rainforest into Belém.”

Silveira described the development as a “sustainable highway” and an “important mobility intervention” in comments to the BBC. He highlighted planned features including wildlife crossings, bicycle lanes, and solar-powered lighting systems.

The city’s preparation extends beyond the controversial highway. Additional accommodations are under development, including new hotel construction and port renovations to enable cruise ship access for the expected overflow of conference attendees, who will largely arrive by air.

Get a load of this. . .

Tens of thousands of acres of protected Amazon rainforest in Brazil are being felled for the construction of a new four-lane highway to alleviate the anticipated traffic congestion during the annual UN climate conference, COP30, which will take place in… pic.twitter.com/7Nn6zviBa4

— Chris Martz (@ChrisMartzWX) March 12, 2025