No, Amazon rainforest trees were not cut down for COP 30 • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• COP 30: The 30th Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC, a major international climate change conference.
• Amazon Rainforest: A vast tropical rainforest in South America, crucial for global biodiversity and climate regulation.
• Anelida Liard Highway: A specific four-lane highway project near Belém, Brazil.
• Climate Disinformation: False or misleading information spread to undermine climate action.
• Fossil Fuel Companies: Industries involved in the extraction and use of coal, oil, and natural gas, often seen as opposing climate action.
• Deforestation: The clearing of forests for other land uses.
• Renewables: Renewable energy sources like solar and wind power.
• Exploratory Oil Wells: Sites where oil companies drill to search for potential oil reserves.

Claim of Highway Construction for COP 30

• The Claim: A widely circulated claim stated that 100,000 trees in Brazil's Amazon rainforest were cut down to build a four-lane highway leading to Belém, the host city for COP 30.
• Origin and Spread: The claim gained traction in the lead-up to COP 30 and was amplified by figures like Donald Trump, who labeled it a "scandal" and a "hypocrisy" of environmentalists. It spread rapidly on social media with the hashtag #COP30hypocrisy.
• Fact-Checking Findings: Fact-checkers, including those at Deutsche, traced the claim's origin to a BBC report from March. This report quoted the infrastructure secretary of Pará state (where Belém is located) mentioning the road as one of the projects in preparation for COP 30. However, other Brazilian officials refuted any direct connection between the road and the conference.

The Anelida Liard Highway Project: Facts and Context

• Project Details: A 13 km long, four-lane highway named Anelida Liard is indeed being built in a protected area of the rainforest near Belém. Construction began in 2024 and is expected to finish in 2026.
• Project History: Plans for this highway predate Belém being chosen as the COP 30 host city. The project was initially conceived in 2012 and officially approved in 2020.
• Official Justification: Local officials defend the project by stating:
  • The road follows the path of an existing power line, meaning vegetation was already cleared in that corridor.
  • The aim is to reduce carbon emissions by shortening travel times.
• Environmental Impact: Despite official justifications, the construction will undoubtedly impact the Amazon's ecosystem and contribute to a carbon footprint.
• Crucial Distinction: The highway was not built specifically for COP 30. It was part of a broader infrastructure development plan for Belém, though the conference may have provided additional justification for its completion.

The Significance of the Distinction

• Undermining Climate Action Narrative: The distinction is crucial because the false narrative serves to fuel an anti-climate action agenda. While there are legitimate criticisms of COP events (e.g., delegates using private jets), this disinformation distracts from genuine efforts to combat climate change.
• Empowering Climate Deniers: Such claims provide ammunition for individuals like Donald Trump and other climate change deniers to undermine climate initiatives and portray them as hypocritical.
• Rise in Climate Disinformation: A report by the watchdog "Climate Action Against Disinformation" documented a 267% increase in climate disinformation leading up to COP 30, largely pushed by fossil fuel companies to sow doubt and skepticism.

Public Support vs. Contradictory Actions

• Public Opinion: Despite disinformation campaigns, public support for climate policy remains high.
  • 89% of the global population desires more climate action.
  • 69% of the public is reportedly willing to contribute 1% of their monthly income to fight climate change.
• Brazilian Government's Contradictions:
  • President Lula da Silva has overseen a decrease in deforestation and an increase in renewable energy adoption.
  • However, he has also authorized exploratory oil drilling at the mouth of the Amazon River, which directly conflicts with his stated ambitions to lead the fight against climate change.

Conclusion

The claim that the Anelida Liard highway was built specifically for COP 30 is false. While a highway is being constructed near the host city and has environmental implications, its planning and approval predate the COP designation. This distinction is vital because the false narrative is used to undermine climate action and support climate deniers. Despite widespread public support for climate policies, governments and industries often exhibit contradictory behaviors, such as promoting renewables while simultaneously authorizing fossil fuel exploration, highlighting the complex challenges in achieving genuine climate progress.