How is Brazil getting ready for COP30?

The conference will take place in the city of Belém. It represents a pivotal moment for both the country and the global community in addressing growing climate challenges.

Brazil, a nation with significant environmental assets and vulnerabilities, is preparing for this critical event in a multifaceted and strategic manner. From strengthening climate policies to engaging with civil society, Brazil is working to actively shape its role in international climate negotiations. But how is this going so far? Read on to find out more.

National climate policy and commitments

In recent years, Brazil has taken steps to reinforce its commitment to climate action, both domestically and internationally. A key aspect of this preparation is the alignment of its national climate policy with the global goals outlined in the Paris Agreement. Brazil has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, alongside its NDC (Nationally Determined Contribution), which includes specific actions to reduce deforestation in the Amazon rainforest and decarbonize key sectors such as energy, agriculture, and transport.

The government has also been working on updating its climate policies to reflect both the urgency of the climate crisis and the specific challenges Brazil faces, such as deforestation, biodiversity loss, and socio-economic inequality. The forthcoming COP30 conference will be an opportunity for Brazil to reaffirm its leadership in climate action while navigating complex issues related to environmental preservation, social development, and economic resilience.

The role of the Amazon

The Amazon rainforest has long been at the center of global climate discussions, serving as both a critical carbon sink and a vulnerable ecosystem threatened by deforestation, fires, and climate change. COP30 will provide a platform for Brazil to address these challenges head-on. The country has committed to zero illegal deforestation by 2030, and under the current administration, efforts to curb deforestation rates in the Amazon have intensified.

Brazil has also launched the “Amazon Plan,” which includes a combination of enforcement measures, conservation initiatives, and local economic development programs aimed at protecting the rainforest while improving the livelihoods of indigenous communities. At COP30, Brazil is expected to showcase these initiatives and advocate for stronger international collaboration in protecting the Amazon and its biodiversity -  as was seen during the G20 meeting in Rio de Janeiro last year.

International partnerships and financing

Beyond governmental initiatives, Brazil is also working to engage a broad range of stakeholders, including Indigenous groups, environmental NGOs, and the private sector, in the lead-up to COP30. 

As one of the largest emerging economies in the world, Brazil is also focusing on the need for equitable climate financing to ensure that developing nations have the resources they need to implement adaptation and mitigation strategies. 

Challenges in Brazil’s preparation for COP30

1. Logistical and infrastructure issues
   Belém, the host city, is facing significant infrastructure challenges, including the timely completion of the "Parque da Cidade," where the conference will be held. Delays in construction or facilities could hinder the event’s effectiveness.

2. Political and Economic concerns
   A recent R$ 478.3 million contract with the Organization of Ibero-American States (OEI) to organize COP30 raised concerns about transparency in the use of public funds, creating controversy over financial decisions for the event.

3. Global political context
   The current international political climate makes it difficult to strengthen multilateral cooperation on climate change. 

4. Balancing Economic Growth and Sustainability
   Brazil's growing oil production, particularly near the Amazon, could conflict with its climate commitments, creating tension between economic development and environmental responsibility.

COP30 will be an opportunity for Brazil to showcase its climate leadership, demonstrate its progress in addressing deforestation, and advocate for greater international support for climate action. By engaging stakeholders, advancing national commitments, and working towards a sustainable, equitable future, Brazil is setting the stage for a meaningful and impactful COP30.

Written by Fernanda Lagoeiro