The imminent environmental setback in Brazil driven by the Devastation Bill

The Brazilian Congress has just approved Bill No. 2159/2021, which significantly weakens national environmental licensing regulations. The text dismantles fundamental safeguards, expands licensing exemptions without rigorous criteria, and allows self-licensing of medium-impact environmental activities. Amendments deepen the setback by introducing a “Special Environmental License” which a maximum one-year deadline for evaluating projects deemed strategic, regardless of their magnitude and socio-environmental consequences. The Bill opens the door to widespread environmental degradation, threatens public health, increases land conflicts, and perpetuates the deceptive narrative of “green capitalism”. It prioritizes the profits of a few over the collective well-being. In defense of natural heritage, environmental justice, and public health, we call for its veto.