The Brazilian city of Belem, set to host this year’s U.N. climate summit, COP30, is facing huge price hikes for lodgings due to a massive shortage of housing and high demand. The city, an Atlantic port metropolis on the edge of the Amazon rainforest, lacks the infrastructure of other major cities, leading many to question its ability to host the event.
Nine months ahead of the climate summit, Belem is seeing a surge in accommodation prices, with some listings costing up to $15,266 per week for a shared apartment and $446,595 for a two-week stay in an upscale neighborhood. This has forced NGOs and campaign groups to rethink their accommodation options.
The median income in Belem is just $920 per month, making it challenging for locals to afford the rising prices. Property owners say the rates are due to supply and demand, but critics argue that speculation is driving up costs.
Despite concerns over the housing crisis, many advocates are defending Belem, saying its challenges are minor compared to the significance of hosting a critical climate event in the Amazon rainforest. However, some property managers have expressed concern about the high prices, comparing them unfavorably to rates at other luxury hotels around the world.
The Brazilian government has promised to provide an additional 26,000 bed spaces, including accommodations in docked cruise ships and public schools, but critics say more needs to be done to address the issue. As COP30 organizers work to find alternative accommodation options for attendees, many are waiting with bated breath to see how the event will unfold.
Source: https://www.euronews.com/green/2025/02/04/bad-shot-trump-jr-accused-of-illegally-hunting-rare-ducks-in-protected-venice-lagoon