Study points out strategies for Brazil to achieve climate neutrality

A study by the Center for Sustainability Studies (FGVCes) at Fundação Getulio Vargas’ Sao Paulo School of Business Administration (FGV EAESP) presents windows of opportunity in six broad areas for Brazil to achieve zero net carbon emissions by 2050, thereby honoring its international commitments. In addition, the study highlighted short-term measures consistent with the country’s long-term net zero pathways, particularly in its most important economic sectors, to mitigate climate change.

In general, the strategies highlight the need to address climate policies and, in particular, forest conservation policies, from the point of view of the people and organizations involved in this issue. “To cite an example, the positive impacts of low-carbon agriculture could be identified, measured and communicated in a more appropriate way to producers and government entities,” says Guarany Ipê do Sol Osório, the coordinator of the Environmental Policy and Economics Program at FGVces.

The study also points to the need to identify and engage local stakeholders, including traditional communities and indigenous peoples, as well as economic groups with local influence (such as trade associations), in order to support the formulation and implementation of public policies compatible with net zero emission targets.

“Given the context of Brazil and especially the Amazon region, public policies on climate and the fight against deforestation must be aligned with national development strategies, in addition to targeting income generation and job creation,” Osório adds.

The study is part of a project called “Net Zero Political Economy: Exploring how to accelerate the just transformation to net zero emissions in China, Nigeria, India, Indonesia and Brazil,” coordinated by Climate Strategies and funded by the Climate Works Foundation.

Here are some public policy proposals analyzed in the study (broken down by sector): 

Land Use Change and Forests: 

- Economic instruments to aid application of the Forest Code;

- Incentives from the private sector for forest restoration purposes; 

- Increase in areas covered by conservation areas. 

Energy and Transport: 

- Expansion of RenovaBio initiative; 

- Development of alternative fuels (to replace diesel); 

- Implementation of biogas certification programs; 

- Preferential treatment for vehicles powered by biofuels; 

- Truck fleet renewal programs; 

- Insurance or guarantee funds for large infrastructure projects. 

Agriculture:

- Payment for ecosystem services and carbon credits; 

- Green bonds; 

- Labeling schemes for carbon-neutral meat and soy; 

- Adoption of public commitments and targets; 

- Expansion of RenovaBio initiative. 

Industry:

- Carbon capture and storage; 

- Green/blue hydrogen; 

- Regulated carbon market; 

- Greater use of biomass (charcoal) in iron and steel production; 

o   Use of cement production byproducts and wastes. 

Waste: 

-  Increased use of waste as energy source, including biogas and biomethane from urban solid waste. 

Carbon Markets (Broad Area): 

- Support improvements to data sources and data collection; 

- Facilitate cooperation between government and private sector stakeholders to develop effective administrative systems; 

- Reposition Brazil internationally within the scope of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, engaging with international partners and ensuring that Brazilian practices are effective and recognized; 

- Provide the knowledge and infrastructure needed for effective carbon markets; 

- Promote transparency and integrity among private stakeholders through voluntary and self-regulated carbon markets.

To access the complete study, click here.