“Political Row Delays New Buses in Brazilian City Hosting 2025 UN Climate Summit: Is COP30 in Jeopardy?”
A recent political row in the Brazilian city of Belém, the host city for the 2025 UN climate summit, has delayed the deployment of a new fleet of air-conditioned electric buses. The city, known for its hot temperatures reaching up to 35 degrees Celsius, has been struggling with an outdated and inefficient public bus system that serves around 470,000 passengers daily.
The plan to introduce state-of-the-art electric buses, similar to those used during COP28 in Dubai, was met with opposition from the local political scene. The Municipal Audit Court (TCMPA) suspended the purchase contract for the initial batch of 10 buses, citing concerns over pricing and lack of planning. The dispute between Belém City Hall and the opposition, led by the centrist Brazilian Democratic Movement (MDB) party, lasted for nearly two months before being resolved.
The left-wing Socialism and Freedom Party (PSOL), led by the current mayor Edmilson Rodrigues, accused the opposition of trying to benefit politically from the suspension of the bus contract. The PSOL claimed that the decision was influenced by close ties between the opposition and key figures in the TCMPA, including Igor Normando, the opposition’s mayoral candidate.
The tensions surrounding the bus procurement highlight the broader political landscape in Belém, especially as the city prepares to host COP30 in 2025. With upcoming municipal elections and a divided political scene, there are concerns about the impact on preparations for the global climate conference.
Despite the challenges, the suspension of the electric bus procurement was recently lifted, and plans are in place to introduce a total of 778 new buses with air-conditioning and wi-fi by the time of COP30. The buses will not only improve the travel experience for passengers but also contribute to reducing emissions and modernizing the city’s public transport system.
As Belém navigates through political disputes and prepares for the climate summit, the focus remains on providing a more efficient and sustainable public transport system for its residents. The introduction of new buses is seen as a crucial step towards addressing the city’s transportation challenges and ensuring a smoother experience for commuters like Izabela Souza, who currently faces long commutes and overcrowded buses.