Brazil is gearing up to host the COP30 climate summit in November 2025. The country aims to build an “ecological legacy” and has called on wealthier nations to invest in its growing sustainable markets. Brazil’s government representatives shared these insights at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos.
A Landmark for the Amazon
This year’s COP summit will take place in Belem, the capital of Para state, located at the mouth of the Amazon rainforest. Northern Para state governor Helder Barbalho emphasized that the summit would be the first time the international community debates climate change and the economy in the largest rainforest in the world. He noted that previous COP events were hosted in countries where oil exploration played a significant role in the economy.
Also read: Roberto Bocca on AI’s Dual Role in Energy and India’s Renewable Energy Challenges at Davos 2025
The country is committed to sustainability as it prepares for COP 30. To lead the summit, the Brazilian government appointed a veteran diplomat and strong advocate of sustainable development: Andre Aranha Correa do Lago.
Efforts to Combat Environmental Crimes and Boost Green Markets
Luis Roberto Barroso, president of Brazil’s supreme court, spoke at the WEF Annual Meeting 2025 about the country’s efforts to combat environmental crimes and regulate new sustainable markets. Since the start of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s third term in 2023, Brazil has implemented a number of policies to promote sustainability. These include the creation of a carbon credit trade market, offshore wind energy development, and biofuel legislation.
Luis Roberto Barroso, President of Brazil’s Supreme Court, spoke at the WEF about the country’s efforts to combat environmental crimes and regulate new sustainable markets.
The Brazilian judiciary, legislative, and executive branches have all prioritized ecological and landownership matters. This approach aims to balance economic growth with environmental preservation.
Para State
Para state, once Brazil’s largest greenhouse gas producer, has made significant strides in reducing emissions. Governor Barbalho highlighted that sustainable practices have allowed the state to increase cattle raising by 3 million while cutting deforestation by 42%. He shared that financial incentives for farmers to preserve native vegetation played a crucial role in this success.
Additionally, Para recently raised $1 billion by selling carbon credits, equivalent to 12 million metric tonnes of CO2. This funding will support continuous emission-reduction efforts.
Reforestation Strategy
Despite significant progress, Brazil’s current forests alone cannot meet its climate commitments. Nearly 50% of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions are linked to land use and forestry. This highlights the need for scaling. In November 2024, Para introduced Brazil’s first forest restoration concession. This initiative invites companies to restore the Triunfo do Xangu environmental reserve, with carbon credits generated once the restoration is complete.
Reforestation plays a central role in Brazil’s strategy to meet emissions-reduction targets and counteract the deforestation seen during President Jair Bolsonaro’s administration.
Attracting Investment in Renewable Energy
In addition to environmental measures, Alexandre Silveira, Brazil’s Mines and Energy Minister, is promoting investment in renewable energy-powered data centers. Data centers require a considerable amount of energy around the world. Data centers consume 2% of the world’s electricity. Brazil is presenting itself as a prime location for these data centers. The country plans to encourage sustainability in the technology sector.
The Return of Climate Change Denial
At the WEF summit, Barroso also commented on the resurgence of climate change denial. The comments follow US President Donald Trump’s announcement to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement. Trump said the accord was “unfair” and it harmed American industries while allowing countries like China to “pollute with impunity”.
This development highlights the hurdles that climate advocates face in ensuring cooperation regarding climate action.