“The laws of nature do not change according to our needs”. This phrase has been repeatedly used by Brazil’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Marina Silva, as a warning against the National Congress’ initiative to weaken environmental licensing in the country. According to the minister, the government is reviewing every article of Bill 2159 to decide what will be vetoed. The deadline for presidential approval or veto is next Friday (8).
The minister received BdF in her office in Brasília for an exclusive interview, where she also addressed the attacks she faced in the Chamber of Deputies and Senate, the forecasts for the upcoming dry season, and the challenges of hosting the United Nations Climate Conference (COP30) in November in Belém, Pará.
Marina emphasized that Bill 2159, also known as the “Devastation Bill,” could have far-reaching consequences. By weakening the licensing process, she warned, Brazil would harm not only ecosystems and vulnerable populations such as Indigenous peoples, riverine communities, and women in rural areas, but also its international credibility. “This bill, as approved, will unfairly impact the most vulnerable and will also damage our economic prospects”, she said, noting that sectors of the Catholic Church, the scientific community, and segments of Brazilian business have all expressed concern.
The minister pointed out that environmental policy is deeply tied to Brazil’s global trade and diplomatic relations. Since President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva returned to office, over 380 international markets have opened for Brazilian agricultural products, in part due to stricter environmental enforcement and reduced deforestation rates. International agreements, such as the EU-Mercosur trade deal, could be compromised if Brazil is seen as dismantling its environmental protections. “If this bill remains as it is, it will be a shot in the foot. Many issues will end up in court, and Brazil risks losing opportunities,” Marina stated.
She also defended the importance of rigorous technical studies and conditional licenses for high-impact projects, including oil exploration along the Equatorial Margin and infrastructure projects like BR-319 and Ferrogrão. Marina explained that large projects in sensitive areas must balance environmental, social, and economic feasibility to avoid irreversible consequences. “Being against progress today means destroying forests, drying rivers, and undermining agriculture”, she said. “We need to follow technical protocols to ensure that Brazil can grow sustainably and maintain its international commitments”.
Marina recalled that failure to comply with environmental standards could lead to increased deforestation, land grabbing, and social conflicts. She cited past examples, such as the hydroelectric power plant of Belo Monte located in indigenous land in Para state and other infrastructure projects, where lack of compliance with environmental conditions resulted in severe social and ecological impacts. Her approach, she insisted, is to ensure that licensing accelerates only when studies are complete and rigorous but does not sacrifice environmental safeguards.
Looking ahead to COP30, which will be hosted in Belém in November, Marina said the conference must be “the COP of implementation”, focused on turning previous climate pledges into action. She emphasized the need to secure US$1.3 trillion in international financing to support vulnerable countries, double global renewable energy production, and create a clear roadmap to phase out fossil fuels and deforestation. “There is no more room for delay”, she concluded. “Brazil must show leadership in the climate agenda while protecting its people and ecosystems. The world will be watching”.
