Brazil court overturns Amazon highway decision

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Plans to pave a highway running through the Amazon have been suspended over fears it would increase deforestation. It was first introduced by former President Jair Bolsonaro.



The BR-319 road turns into an impassible muddy tract in the rainy season, but that is what protects parts of the Amazon from deforestation, say environmentalists


A Brazilian federal court on Thursday ruled against a plan to pave a key highway that runs through the Amazon rainforest, citing environmental concerns.

The BR-319 roadway is a largely dirt road that runs through the rainforest, connecting the city of Manaus to the rest of the country.

Before leaving office, far-right former President Jair Bolsonaro gave permission for the road to be paved, ignoring environmentalist concerns over deforestation.

Judge Maria Elisa Andrade cited the "absence of a climate impact study" in her ruling, saying that the government lacked a plan to prevent rampant deforestation.

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https://www.dw.com/en/brazil-court-overturns-amazon-highway-decision/a-69770605