BELO MONTE, DESMATAMENTO E AQUECIMENTO GLOBAL:

UMA ANÁLISE CRÍTICA DO DISCURSO

Abstract

This study conducts a critical discourse analysis (CDA) of the socio-environmental reports of the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Plant, focusing on the themes of deforestation and global warming. Using Fairclough's (2001) approach, it examines how the discourses in these reports reflect the dominant development ideology, which prioritizes economic gains over environmental sustainability and the rights of local communities. The textual analysis revealed discursive techniques that mask the true extent of socio-environmental impacts, such as manipulating the temporal scale, making it difficult to precisely analyse the company's investments and actions over time. In discursive practice, intertextuality is highlighted to legitimize the company's practices, while social practice shows the perpetuation of a hegemonic development view that marginalizes indigenous communities and disregards environmental consequences. The study suggests that despite the initiatives reported by the company, the real effectiveness in preventing deforestation and mitigating global warming remains questionable. The discrepancy between corporate discourses and the narratives of independent entities, such as the Instituto Socioambiental, highlights the need for a more inclusive and transparent approach in communicating socio-environmental practices.