Brazil’s state-owned oil company, Petrobras, announced on Monday that it has secured approval to commence drilling for oil near the mouth of the Amazon River. This decision has sparked widespread criticism from environmentalists, who argue that it undermines Brazil’s commitment to combating climate change, especially as the country prepares to host the COP30 climate talks in the Amazon city of Belem next month. The drilling in the Foz de Amazonas region, set to begin immediately and last for five months, follows a five-year battle for exploration rights. Petrobras claims it has met all environmental requirements set by Brazil’s environmental watchdog, Ibama, and is optimistic about discovering oil in what it calls a ‘new global energy frontier.’ However, the move has drawn sharp rebuke from conservationists, who warn of potential ‘massive biodiversity loss’ in the ecologically sensitive area. The Climate Observatory, a Brazilian NGO, has vowed to challenge the decision in court, citing ‘illegalities and technical flaws’ in the licensing process. Despite these concerns, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has defended the project, asserting that oil revenues will fund Brazil’s climate transition. The decision has also reignited debates over Brazil’s role as a global climate leader, with critics accusing the government of prioritizing economic gains over environmental preservation.