Belém: Amazon's Gateway to Host COP30 as Deforestation Threatens
Belém, the gateway to the Amazon, is a city of contrasts. It's a place where the rainforest's riches have brought wealth, but also where deforestation is a pressing concern. As the host of the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), Belém is set to draw global attention to these issues.
The Amazon, starting right at Belém's doorstep, is a treasure trove of biodiversity. It's home to around one million plant and animal species, with a single hectare holding up to 230 tree species. This vast forest is often referred to as the 'lungs of the Earth', producing around 30% of the world's oxygen. Many modern medicines and food plants also originate from this tropical forest, making its preservation crucial.
However, the forest faces severe threats. Every minute, an area equivalent to three football pitches is cleared near Belém. Under President Jair Bolsonaro, cattle farming and illegal logging have exacerbated the situation. Environmentalist Pierre Gourou warned about the forest's fragility, stating it's not suitable for intensive agriculture or cattle rearing.
Despite these challenges, Belém is set to host the UNFCCC's COP30 from November 10 to 21, 2025. This conference aims to tackle climate change and protect the Amazon. However, the city's hotel beds are insufficient to accommodate all delegates, posing a logistical challenge.
Belém, with its rich history and beautiful architecture like the Baroque Theatre of Peace, stands at the crossroads of the Amazon's future. As it prepares to host COP30, the city and the world must grapple with the delicate balance between development and the preservation of this vital ecosystem.
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