Brazil's government has granted Petrobras a licence to conduct exploratory oil drilling in the Amazon region, specifically in a block located off the coast of Amapá. This decision comes despite significant environmental concerns raised by conservationists, who fear potential oil spills could affect the Amazon rainforest, a critical ecosystem that houses about 10% of the world's species. The drilling is scheduled to begin immediately and will last for five months, during which Petrobras aims to assess the economic viability of oil and gas in the area. President Lula da Silva has defended the decision, emphasizing Brazil's need for energy security and economic development, while acknowledging the importance of environmental protection. Critics, including Greenpeace, argue that this move undermines Brazil's climate leadership, especially with the upcoming COP30 climate summit in Belém. The International Energy Agency has also warned against new oil projects if global net zero emissions targets are to be met by 2050.