Rio de Janeiro faces pressure over urban tree preservation

Concerns are rising regarding the preservation of urban trees in Rio de Janeiro, specifically regarding excessive pruning and vegetation suppression. Reports indicate that recent pruning operations by Comlurb in areas such as Rua Lineu de Paula Machado, Humaitá, and Viúva Lacerda have left streets without shade and impacted local wildlife, including marmosets.

Beyond pruning, urban development is exerting pressure on the city's green spaces. Between 2023 and 2025, the city issued 478 environmental licenses that include provisions for vegetation suppression by companies. Critics argue that replacing mature, century-old trees with new seedlings fails to provide the immediate ecological benefits, shade, and habitat provided by established trees.