Petrobras received Ibama authorization to drill its first exploratory well in the Foz do Amazonas basin on Monday, October 20. The license sparked debates between the government's energy and environmental wings and divided Folha readers' opinions. Some support exploration for economic benefits, while others highlight environmental risks.
State-owned Petrobras obtained a license from the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama) on October 20, 2025, to begin drilling a well in deep waters of the Foz do Amazonas basin. According to a company statement, the goal is to gather additional geological information and assess the presence of oil and gas on an economically viable scale, with no production in this initial phase.
The approval follows five years of deadlock and is controversial, pitting government energy and environmental sectors against each other. Folha polled its readers on the prospects of exploration in the area, uncovering contrasting views.
In favor of drilling, Marcos A. R. do Carmo from Salvador (BA) argues that Brazil needs this energy matrix to sustain its petrochemical industry and reduce imports, boosting international political power. José Resende from Uberlândia (MG) praises Petrobras's expertise in deep waters and states that, as a poor nation, Brazil cannot leave this underwater fortune untapped. Edivaldo Cardoso from Goiânia (GO) insists Ibama should focus on risk mitigation controls, not environmentalist agendas. John Aires from Brasília (DF) views exploration as a matter of national sovereignty and social justice, criticizing Brazil's paralysis while neighbors like Guyana and Suriname prosper from similar resources.
Opponents, such as Filipe de Melo from Belo Horizonte (MG), oppose the action in an area crucial for planetary balance, advocating investments in new energy matrices. Isabele Vidal from Rio de Janeiro (RJ) warns that GDP gains do not offset damage to Amazon biodiversity, such as deforestation and reef destruction, especially ahead of COP30 in Belém. Estela de Luca from São Paulo (SP) sees the decision as a setback in fighting climate change. Helotonio Carvalho, a researcher from Recife (PE), stresses the urgency of abandoning fossil fuels, as the planet exceeded 1.5°C warming in 2024, and prioritizing renewables.