Prosecutors in Brazil have filed a lawsuit to annul a $180 million carbon offset agreement signed by the state of Para, citing legal and ethical violations in the high-profile rainforest conservation initiative backed by major global firms.
Brazilian federal prosecutors are seeking to cancel a $180 million carbon offset agreement designed to protect the Amazon rainforest, arguing the deal violates national laws and overlooks the rights of local communities. The lawsuit, filed Tuesday, challenges a landmark contract signed last year between the state of Para and the LEAF Coalition - an initiative supported by major corporations and governments.
The complaint represents a significant setback for both the Para state government, which is set to host the COP30 climate summit, and the global carbon credit market, which has struggled with credibility issues over transparency, fraud, and community engagement.
In their filing, prosecutors claim Para’s government failed to properly consult Indigenous and traditional communities who would be affected by the project. They also argue that Brazilian law does not permit the pre-sale of carbon credits - particularly those linked to future conservation efforts rather than measurable past reductions.
Prosecutors allege the state rushed to greenlight the project ahead of COP30, intensifying pressure on vulnerable communities.
The contract in question involves the LEAF Coalition, a forest conservation initiative co-founded in 2021 by Amazon.com Inc., along with other private companies and governments. The project aimed to sell up to 12 million carbon credits at $15 each, tied to the preservation of the Amazon’s carbon-rich trees.
Furthermore, the agreement was among the first jurisdictional carbon credit deals - targeting emissions reductions at a state-wide level instead of through fragmented private projects. The model was intended to streamline oversight and restore market confidence, but critics have warned it may replicate existing issues on a larger scale.
Russia has recalled its ambassador to Armenia for consultations, citing Yerevan's growing rapprochement with the European Union. The move is seen as t...
At least 22 people have been killed - including children - and 35 others injured after a truck carrying Afghan returnees overturned in eastern Afghani...
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has urged Asian allies to increase military spending, warning of growing concern over China’s rapid military exp...
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off...
Three Latvian climbers have died after falling on Mount McKinley in Alaska’s Denali National Park and Preserve, authorities and a Latvian climbing o...
Russia has recalled its ambassador to Armenia for consultations, citing Yerevan's growing rapprochement with the European Union. The move is seen as the latest sign of deteriorating relations between the longtime allies ahead of Armenia's parliamentary election on 7 June.
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off access underground.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 30 May, covering the latest developments you need to know.
The United Nations (UN) added Israel and Russia to a blacklist of parties suspected of committing conflict-related sexual violence on Friday (29 May). The move prompted Israel to announce it would sever ties with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
A group of Azerbaijani civil society organisations has called for increased scrutiny of Swiss building materials giant Holcim, citing court rulings and ongoing investigations linked to its subsidiary Lafarge's activities during the Syrian conflict.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says ongoing conflict, funding pressures and international travel restrictions are complicating efforts to contain a fast-growing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off access underground.
Russia and Kazakhstan signed 15 agreements during President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to Astana on Thursday (28 May), including deals on Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant and expanded oil cooperation with Russia.
As climate pressures and urbanisation accelerate worldwide, governments are increasingly investing in smart cities and villages to build more sustainable and resilient communities. Across the world, digital technologies are reshaping how cities and rural areas are planned and managed.
The UK is experiencing potentially record-breaking temperatures after forecasters confirmed some areas reached highs close to 34°C on Monday.
More than 100 people were killed in a violent storm that battered India's most populous state, Uttar Pradesh, with rain and hail, the state Disaster Management and Relief office said on Thursday.
Climate change has driven a record surge in wildfires across Africa, Asia and other regions this year, with scientists warning that conditions are likely to worsen further as the northern hemisphere enters summer and El Niño weather patterns intensify.
Destruction of the world's tropical forests eased in 2025 from a record high, a report showed on Wednesday, underscoring how decisive policy can help keep trees standing despite pressures from a warmer climate and expanding agricultural frontiers.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment