The 29th United Nations Climate Conference (COP29) will start next Monday (11) in Baku, Azerbaijan. Current and future scenarios will be discussed and different actions that all countries need to adopt against climate change will be highlighted. Take all of this as examples of recent extreme weather events in Brazil and around the world. Diplomats from 200 countries and many heads of government will attend the conference. Since 1992, there have been 28 Conferences of the Parties (COPs). This year about 40 thousand delegates (negotiators, journalists, international observers, etc.) will participate in the conference.
On the agenda
The following topics should guide the COP programme: emission targets and nationally determined contributions (NDCs); climate finance; Adaptation to climate change; Energy transition and fossil fuels.
As part of the Paris Agreement, developed countries promised developing countries $100 billion annually starting in 2020 to help them prepare for climate change. However, the goal was not achieved.
Brazil in the World Cup
Brazil must make a series of proposals and commitments on environmental issues, and it could play a prominent role in this conference, both because of its geopolitical location and its commitment to the upcoming 30th session of the COP, which the country will host in 2025. Brazil is part of this conference. For the so-called “Troika of COP Presidencies”, a leadership group that has defined the “Roadmap for the 1.5°C Global Warming Mission”. This joint effort seeks to stimulate international cooperation and expand the technical and financial support necessary for countries to increase their climate ambitions. The Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Marina Silva, reaffirmed Brazil’s commitment to leading discussions on just and sustainable transitions, ranging from protecting the Amazon region to implementing renewable energy.
Some points to highlight in Brazil’s expected role in the event:
*Commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Brazil must continue to strengthen its emissions reduction pledges, aligning itself with the global goal of limiting the increase in global average temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Brazil has already committed, in the Paris Agreement, to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by up to 37% by 2025 and by up to 43% by 2030, based on 2005 levels. This commitment could be renewed and more ambitious for 2030 and beyond. Key points on your agenda.
* Protect and preserve the Amazon region
The Amazon is one of the world’s largest carbon sinks, and preserving it has a direct impact on mitigating climate change. Under the new government, Brazil has shown greater commitment to combating illegal deforestation. During COP29, the country can present progress on forest protection policies, such as increasing protected areas and strengthening deforestation monitoring and control measures. Furthermore, Brazil could propose to increase international partnerships for Amazon conservation and encourage the implementation of decarbonization projects based on nature-based solutions (such as ecosystem restoration and sustainable natural resource management).
* Climate financing and adaptation measures
Brazil can push for more financing for climate change adaptation and mitigation measures, especially for developing countries. The country can highlight the importance of the Green Climate Fund and other international financial mechanisms, such as financing adaptation projects in the most vulnerable areas and implementing public policies to combat climate change.
* Energy transition and renewable energy
Brazil is one of the countries with the greatest potential to expand renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind and biomass. The country can advance plans to accelerate the energy transition, through investments in clean energy and sustainable technologies and increasing the share of renewable energy sources in its energy mix. Furthermore, Brazil can propose decarbonization initiatives in sectors that are difficult to mitigate, such as industry, and encourage research and development in new technologies, such as the use of green hydrogen.
* A social and just agenda
Brazil can highlight the need for a just transition, which includes protecting the rights of indigenous peoples, traditional communities and workers affected by the transition to a low-carbon economy. It is essential to ensure that the benefits of climate policies reach all citizens, especially those who already face social and economic vulnerabilities.
* Carbon market initiatives
Brazil can also be an advocate for strengthening carbon market mechanisms, such as emissions trading, to help finance the transition to a low-carbon economy. The country already has some initiatives in the field of carbon market, such as the emissions trading system (SCE), and could introduce new large-scale developments or projects.
* Strengthening multilateralism and international cooperation
Brazil can reaffirm the role of multilateralism in addressing climate change, while highlighting the importance of negotiations within the United Nations system and other international bodies. The country can also commit to cooperating with other countries, especially Latin American and Caribbean countries, to find common solutions for climate change adaptation and mitigation.
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