The Amazon rainforest is often described as 'the lungs of the earth' although, usefully, it does the exact opposite: breathing in carbon dioxide and exhaling oxygen.
To prepare for the COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil, a four-lane highway is being built through protected Amazon rainforest, along with expansion of the city's airport. This has raised concerns about hypocrisy, as COP summits are criticized for their large carbon footprints and alleged promotion of business deals contradicting climate goals.
