Throughout COP30, this columnist sought out topics and debates on energy transition. It was at Arayara that I found high-level discussions: about the oceans, waste treatment, environmental law, and social justice. But what filled me with the most pride was seeing an organization that has been fighting against fossil fuels for decades achieving concrete results.
Thanks to Arayara, the Minas-Guaíba project — a mega coal-fired power plant planned less than 30 km from Porto Alegre — was shelved. The decision prevented air pollution and proved even more correct when, in 2024, the area planned for the plant was flooded by the historic flood.
The same organization managed to block gas pipelines and thermoelectric plants in Brasília, a historic victory for the capital. Other major struggles include campaigns against fracking in Paraná and states in the Midwest, the defense of indigenous territories against mining and oil, and international action in organizations such as the International Seabed Authority and the International Maritime Organization.
Founded by scientists, engineers, and environmentalists, Arayara is headed by Juliano Bueno de Araújo, an environmental engineer with a doctorate in renewable energies, and led by Nicole Oliveira, executive director and specialist in climate litigation. The organization runs campaigns throughout Latin America and has already positively impacted the lives of millions of people.
The launch of the Energy Monitor
On November 20th, Arayara presented the Energy Monitor in Belém, a tool that promises to revolutionize transparency in the Brazilian energy sector. It was the result of two years of investment, data collection, and processing by specialists to arrive at this digital platform.
The system is simple yet powerful: any citizen can monitor energy projects in real time. If a thermal power plant, nuclear power plant, or gas pipeline has an environmental permit application filed, the system will immediately inform them. This allows potentially affected communities to follow the process from the beginning, preventing decisions from being made in a shady or underhanded way.
The Monitor consolidates official and independent databases, incorporates its own indicators such as atmospheric emissions estimates, and offers public access to information on generation, consumption, and environmental impacts. It is a unique innovation that marks a new era in the energy transition: cleaning up the energy matrix by replacing coal, oil, gas, and diesel with clean sources such as solar, wind, and biomass.
A legacy beyond COP30
COP30 was more open, calling on civil society to take action. In this context, Arayara shone by demonstrating that it has been on this journey for decades. Its work in Belém, bringing in experts and organizing debates, reinforced that the energy transition is not just a technical issue, but a matter of social and environmental justice.
The launch of the Energy Monitor is more than just a tool: it's a milestone. It represents transparency, integrity, and commitment from governments and investors. It shows that organized civil society can offer concrete and innovative solutions.
Arayara was one of the highlights of COP30. Its victories against fossil fuels, its work agenda, and the launch of the Energy Monitor solidify its role as a guardian of the energy transition and climate justice. This columnist will continue to follow its progress, certain that the legacy left in Belém will be lasting and transformative.
The opinions and information expressed are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position of the author. Canal Solar.
An answer
What great work to be able to contribute to the environment by being able to hold the machinery and emporiums invested in that do not understand that life goes on and that there is a future for those close to us