Amazonian city prepares for climate summit amid pollution and inequality
The city of Belem, in Brazil, will host the COP30 climate talks in 2025, highlighting the challenges of urban pollution and inequality in the Amazon.
Fabiano Maisonnave reports for The Associated Press.
In short:
- Belem, a city marked by severe pollution and violence, is racing to prepare for the COP30 climate conference, which will bring 50,000 attendees.
- Infrastructure projects, including a large public park and expanded sewage systems, are underway but face criticism for prioritizing concrete over ecological restoration.
- The Tucunduba River, a microcosm of Belem's challenges, suffers from severe pollution, with some residents lamenting the loss of a once-vibrant natural resource.
Key quote:
“We cannot preserve what we do not love and experience. How will future generations have the desire to preserve a river that has always been a ditch for them?”
— Natasha Reis, spokeswoman for Mandi, a women-led nonprofit environmental group focused on Belem’s rivers and climate change.
Why this matters:
The Amazon's health is critical for global climate goals, but Belem’s struggles with pollution and urban inequality reveal deeper systemic challenges. Hosting COP30 in this environment underscores the need for sustainable urban planning and genuine commitment to preserving the rainforest.
