Brazil’s Lula hails new Amazon oil find as ‘passport to the future’ amid green backlash

São Paulo, Aug 18 - Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva expressed delight over the recent oil discovery near the Amazon coast, describing it as a "passport to the future." This announcement came despite significant opposition from environmentalists against drilling in the area. Oil major Petrobras recently announced the identification of hydrocarbons off the coast of northern Amapa state, a discovery that had been ongoing for nearly a year after initial drilling.

The company had sought an environmental permit following a five-year exploration process. Lula, speaking from Petrobras's operations base while donning one of the company's orange jumpsuits, stated that this discovery "is my passport to this country's future." He emphasized his stance to eventually phase out fossil fuels, though he supported this transition through oil revenues to achieve energy independence.

The oil was found in the Equatorial Margin, approximately 175 kilometers off the Amazon coast. Petrobras President Magda Chambriard indicated that additional drilling would be necessary to assess the field's size. Environmental experts have long warned that fossil fuel combustion is a primary contributor to global warming, and environmentalists argue that drilling could harm a biodiverse area near the world's largest rainforest.

The 80-year-old president is campaigning for a fourth non-consecutive term in the upcoming elections.