Rudi van Els

Rudi van Els is an associate professor of Energy Engineering at the University of Brasília, known for his expertise in renewable energy and sustainable development within the Amazon region. He has been a vocal advocate for the environmental and cultural significance of the Amazon, emphasizing the importance of its people and ecosystems. Recently, he highlighted the symbolic significance of Belém as the location for the upcoming COP30 climate conference, asserting that it offers world leaders a unique opportunity to witness the realities of life in the Amazon. Van Els also emphasizes the need for collaboration among Amazonian countries to address shared challenges like deforestation and illegal mining, while promoting sustainable economic practices that benefit local communities.