Environmental Resistance and the Politics of Energy Development in the Brazilian Amazon

Abstract

Since the energy shortage in 2001, there has been renewed interest in energy-generation projects in Brazil. Policy options under consideration include expansion of natural gas exploration and hydropower generation in the Amazon. This article analyzes environmental opposition to two projects, the Urucu pipeline and the Belo Monte Dam. Despite significant environmental and social costs, development of energy resources is a critical political issue. Proponents tend to be politically well connected, are willing to face strong opposition, and pursue projects over a long time period. Opposition strategies have had limited effectiveness because of the project's larger context and because there are few incentives for compromise solutions. However, polarization is unlikely to lead to lasting solutions and reduced environmental impact. This may be an important consideration when fighting against other proposed high-profile regional projects with larges-scale environmental implications, such as the Madeira dams and the Transcontinental pipeline.