Brazil achieved a historic reduction of 16.7% in its gross greenhouse gas emissions in 2024, decreasing from 2,576 million tons of CO₂ equivalent in 2023 to 2,145 million in 2024.
This is the largest decline recorded in at least 16 years, according to data from the Climate Observatory, the country’s main network of environmental organizations.
The key: less deforestation in the Amazon and the Cerrado
The main factor behind this drop was the 32.5% reduction in emissions from land use change, especially due to the decrease in logging and burning in the Amazon and the Cerrado biome.
- Amazon: 33% reduction.
- Cerrado: 41% drop.
- Pantanal: record decrease of 66%.
In 2024, the land use change sector came to represent 42% of total emissions, compared to 52% the previous year.
Public policies and international pressure
The Climate Observatory attributes this achievement to a resumption of public policies for forest protection by the Government.
However, it warns that the devastation of Brazilian biomes remains the main factor positioning Brazil as the fifth-largest global emitter.
An insufficient advance to meet the climate goal
Despite the decline, Brazil will not reach its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for 2025, which sets a limit of 1,320 million net tons of CO₂e. Estimates place net emissions at 1,440 million, 9% above the target.
“Deforestation decreases, but all other sectors increase,” warned David Tsai, SEEG coordinator.
To meet the 2030 NDC, it will be necessary for all economic sectors to commit to emission reductions, not just the forestry sector.
Fires, drought, and invisible emissions
One of the most relevant findings of the report is the decoupling between deforestation and fires. Despite the drop in logging, Brazil recorded the largest burned area in its history in 2024, due to a severe drought.
Emissions from fires not associated with deforestation were almost equivalent to net emissions from land use. If officially accounted for, they would double the sector’s net emissions.
Scientists demand that official statistics include these emissions, as it is currently assumed that forests regenerate and reabsorb carbon, which does not always happen.
Contradictions in climate policy
Alongside these advances, the Brazilian Government granted Petrobras an environmental license to explore oil near the mouth of the Amazon, which generated strong criticism from environmental organizations.
“The Government gives with one hand and takes with the other,” said Claudio Angelo from the Climate Observatory. “It protects forests but bets on oil, which worsens the climate crisis.”
Towards COP30: opportunity and challenge
The announcement of this reduction coincides with Brazil’s preparation to host COP30 in the Amazonian city of Belém, adding a strong symbolic component.
Brazil seeks to position itself as a key player in global climate action, but to achieve this, it must consolidate these advances, extend mitigation to all sectors, and avoid setbacks.
