In Brazil, a showdown is intensifying over plans for a major hydroelectric dam in the Amazon rainforest. The $11 billion Belo Monte project was approved for construction earlier this year. If completed, it will be the world’s third largest hydroelectric dam. The Brazilian government says the dam will be a clean source for meeting Brazil’s energy needs. But opponents say it will devastate tens of thousands of indigenous Amazonian residents and threaten wildlife. At a protest in front of the Brazilian environment ministry Monday, indigenous activist Antonia Melo called for the project’s cancellation.
Antonia Melo: “This project is economically, socially and environmentally unfeasible. Therefore, we are asking for it to be canceled.”
