Brazil Joins OPEC+ as Major Oil Exporter Ahead of Hosting COP30

The move highlights Brazil's growing oil production and raises questions about its environmental commitments.

Brazil has officially joined OPEC+, a group of major oil-exporting nations, following approval from its National Energy Council.
The country, South America's largest oil producer, pumps over 4.3 million barrels of oil daily and recently saw crude oil become its top export product.
Brazil's membership in OPEC+ is limited to participation in discussions, with no binding obligations like production cuts.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva defends the decision, citing oil revenues as a means to support economic growth and fund green energy initiatives.
The decision has drawn criticism from environmental groups as Brazil prepares to host the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in November, where reducing fossil fuel use is a key focus.