Brazilian city Belem is facing exorbitant price hikes for lodgings ahead of hosting the U.N. climate summit, COP30, later this year. With a shortage of housing and skyrocketing prices, property owners and rental companies are charging rates up to 9,562% higher than normal. This has left NGOs and campaign groups scrambling for affordable accommodation options.
The situation in Belem has drawn criticism, with locals likening the high prices to “putting gringos in captivity” and calling it false imprisonment. A room that typically costs $11 per day is now listed at $9,320, while a flat apartment goes for $15,266. Property managers justify the prices by citing high costs and demand.
Despite the backlash, COP30 organisers are promising to provide alternative accommodations, including docked cruise ships, public schools, new hotels, and military facilities. Official estimates indicate that about 50,000 people will attend the summit in Belem, with the Brazilian government creating an additional 26,000 bed spaces.
Critics point out the challenges in Belem as minor compared to the importance of hosting the global climate meeting in the Amazon. Some advocates highlight the transformative potential of the event for the region and urge attendees to look at the bigger picture.
As Belem grapples with the accommodation crisis, COP30 participants are reevaluating their plans due to the high prices. The Brazilian government aims to stabilize the situation as it increases the availability of accommodations and implement an online booking platform for accredited participants.
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