Check out our team's highlights from the last week below:
1) Collection of Environmental Certificates Reaches the 1 Million Mark, Plans to Start its First Carbon Credit Issue in Pará
Pará is set to make its debut in issuing carbon credits during London Climate Action Week, scheduled for June 30, 2024. An official announcement by Governor Hélder Barbalho ratified that the transaction will include approximately 1 million credits. In addition, the state administration revealed that it has a reserve of credits valued at R$ 156 million, denoting an estimated financial potential of around R$ 10 billion.
At the same time, the state of Pará is engaged in drawing up a call for tenders for concessions aimed at restoring areas of native vegetation. This initiative is part of the implementation of the Native Vegetation Recovery Plan, which sets a target of restoring 5.6 million hectares by 2030.
Sources: CNN
2) Fracking in the Brazilian Context: An Analysis of Unacceptable Risks in the Light of Comparative Studies in the United States and Argentina
The text addresses the recent statement by Minister Alexandre Silveira about the intention to expand oil and gas exploration in Brazil, including the controversial method of fracking (hydraulic fracturing). This statement has generated concern among environmentalists, scientists and civil society, who question the defense of this technology without an in-depth debate on the associated risks. The debate on the environmental, social and production risks of fracking in Brazil has been going on for more than a decade and has brought together opposition from scientists, parliamentarians, production sectors and civil society.
Opponents of fracking warn of the negative impacts of this practice, such as the loss of agricultural production, contamination of essential aquifers, air pollution and an increase in diseases, Argentina's negative experience in the alerts, where fracking caused damage to fruit growing in Patagonia and contaminated rivers, is cited as an example of the dangers that Brazil could face if it proceeds with the expansion of fracking in Brazil and the need to consider the risks involved before proceeding with this practice. 1Studies conducted in the 2United States and 3Argentina, countries where fracking is widely practiced, reveal the environmental, social and productive damage caused by this technique. Drilling activities can result in the contamination of drinking water sources, with more than 80% of wells leaking within three years of drilling. In addition, fracking is associated with the production and release of more than a thousand chemical compounds, many of which are considered toxic or potentially carcinogenic.
Sources: ECO
1)Original source of the study: https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/EHP11092
2) Source of the study in the United States: https://arayara.org/estudo-vincula-perfuracao-de-gas-natural-a-problemas-de-saude-em-criancas-e-residentes-na-pensilvania/
3) To understand more about the case of fracking in Argentina, I suggest the documentary GasLand (2010), by director Josh Fox, available on Youtube via the link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3eYX7LaLLg&list=PLVKihZd7GxfihGo6Bq8WresJXDNbcAL_o&index=3
3) Study released by the Low Carbon Mobility Agreement will explore New Technological Routes for Heavy Duty Vehicles
A study released by the Low Carbon Mobility Agreement for Brazil (MBCBrasil) focuses on technological routes aimed at economic and environmental efficiency, especially for heavy vehicles. The report, entitled "More Efficient Technological Pathways for the Decarbonization of Mobility", highlights biomethane and hydrogen-electric fuel cells as promising alternatives.
In urban areas served by public transport, the study suggests vehicles powered by rechargeable batteries as the most suitable option. For trucks, biomethane and low-carbon diesel are pointed out as viable alternatives. These findings outline potential directions for reducing carbon emissions in the transportation sector, contributing to more sustainable mobility.
Sources: Exame
4) The Impact of Air Pollution and Extreme Heat and the threats to the environment, health and fertility
Recently, the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) released an urgent statement urging immediate action to deal with the consequences of climate change and air pollution on fertility. The document highlights the urgent need for action to protect reproductive health in the face of these growing environmental challenges.
According to recent research, exposure during pregnancy to fine particles of air pollutants is linked to an increased incidence of miscarriage in several global locations. Workers, both men and women, exposed to occupational pollutants are also at significant risk of fertility problems. These findings highlight the urgency of implementing measures to mitigate the negative impacts of environmental pollution on reproductive health.
Sources: Veja
5) Federal Police operation results in the destruction of illegal mining equipment in the Tumucumaque National Park in Amapá
The Federal Police in Amapá conducted an operation that resulted in the destruction of engines and other equipment used in illegal mining activities in the Montanhas do Tumucumaque National Park, considered Brazil's largest fully protected conservation unit. During the operation called "Ancestors", carried out between March 6 and 7, agents located the equipment, valued at R$2 million, left behind by criminals. The action was triggered after the identification of mining activities through images.
According to a survey by the Indigenous Research and Training Institute (Iepé), published on February 19 this year, illegal mining areas have grown by 304% in one year in the Montanhas do Tumucumaque National Park. During the operation, in addition to destroying the equipment, the PF also seized a computer, a motorcycle and a tractor. This measure aims to interrupt the illegal activities and preserve the environmental integrity of the protected area. According to the investigation, the illegal mining activity causes significant damage to the local ecosystem, with harmful effects that extend up to 30 kilometers along the rivers in the affected area.
Sources: G1
Jéssica Tavares
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