The Brazilian government, led by Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has launched the ambitious Climate Plan Brazil with the goal of reducing pollutant emissions by 67% by 2035. This plan prioritizes the fight against deforestation and the protection of indigenous territories.
Climate Plan Brazil: Protecting forests and facing energy challenges
Despite its objectives, the plan faces criticism for predicting an increase in emissions from the energy and agricultural sectors. These contradictions have been pointed out by environmental groups demanding a clear transition from the use of fossil fuels.
Among the highlighted measures is the prohibition of logging on public lands until 2030, the demarcation of 4.5 million hectares of indigenous lands, and the creation of new conservation areas, totaling more than 4 million hectares by 2027.
The plan also sets goals to eradicate emissions from deforestation in public forests by 2030, with an expectation of stabilization or slight decrease in agricultural emissions.
The Climate Plan serves as a guide to implement the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), aiming to reduce emissions by 59% to 67% by 2035 compared to 2005 levels.
In the agricultural sector, the plan aims to maintain or slightly reduce emissions. However, it estimates a 1% increase in 2030 compared to 2022, and by 2035, emissions could decrease by 7% or increase by 2%.
Regarding the energy sector, a 33% increase in emissions is anticipated by 2030, and up to a 44% rise by 2035, due to the expansion in the production of fossil fuels and biofuels. The country’s energy strategy includes an electric matrix with 86% renewable sources.
Environmental groups, such as Greenpeace, value the comprehensive approach of the Climate Plan in the fight against climate change, but criticize the lack of concrete steps to reduce the use of fossil fuels. The government has announced that it will present a plan for energy transition, although it continues to advance in the exploration of new deposits.
