Brazil Maintains COP30 in Belém Despite High Accommodation Prices, Amazon Oil Drilling, and Environmental Licensing Vetoes

Brazil is preparing to host the COP30 climate conference in Belém, a city near the mouth of the Amazon, less than 100 days before the event. The government has dismissed calls to relocate the conference despite a surge in accommodation prices in Belém, which are reportedly higher than in New York, raising concerns about the ability of developing countries to participate. André Corrêa do Lago, president of COP30, emphasized that there is no alternative plan for the venue, affirming that "the plan B is B of Belém." Concurrently, Brazil’s state oil company is planning a controversial offshore oil exploration campaign near the Amazon, a move President Lula justifies as necessary to fund the energy transition, though environmentalists remain skeptical. In addition, the Lula administration recently enacted new environmental licensing rules with 63 vetoes to prevent ecological setbacks, aiming to balance economic growth with environmental protection. The government is also considering providing free accommodation for delegations from poorer countries to mitigate the impact of high lodging costs.