Brazil announced a new climate pledge late Friday night, revealing plans to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 59% to 67% by 2035, compared to 2005 levels, according to a Reuters report.
This pledge, which the country will present at the upcoming United Nations climate summit COP29 in Azerbaijan, represents a significant commitment towards achieving global climate targets.
Brazil’s Role in Global Climate Action
As the largest country in Latin America and one of the world’s biggest carbon dioxide emitters, Brazil plays a crucial role in global climate efforts. The country’s emissions reduction pledge is important not only for its own environmental future but also for the world’s ability to meet international climate goals.
The United Nations has made it clear that countries need to ramp up their climate actions to meet the Paris Agreement target of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C (2.7°F). Without stronger commitments, the world could face disastrous climate consequences. The UN had called on countries to submit new climate pledges by February 2025, and Brazil’s recent announcement addresses this call.
Emissions Reduction Targets and Timeline
Brazil’s new target aims for a significant reduction in emissions—between 59% and 67%—by 2035. This is a notable increase compared to the country’s previous target of a 53% reduction by 2030. The government has also outlined a longer-term goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050, aligning with the global ambition to reach net-zero emissions by mid-century.
The Brazilian government stated that the commitment would enable the country to move towards climate neutrality by 2050, which is the long-term objective of its climate pledge, according to a Reuters report.
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Mixed Reactions to Brazil’s New Climate Pledge
While the government asserts that its new pledge aligns with the global 1.5°C climate goal, the target has received mixed reactions. Climate Observatory, a Brazilian lobby group, has voiced concerns that the emissions reductions outlined in the pledge may not be ambitious enough. They argue that Brazil’s commitment needs to be stronger to ensure the country meets its fair share of global climate targets.
However, Climate Observatory also noted that a complete assessment of Brazil’s climate pledge would be possible only when the government formally submits its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) documentation.
This document, expected to be released soon, will provide further details on how the government plans to meet these emissions reduction goals, according to Reuters.
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What’s Next for Brazil’s Climate Action?
Brazil’s new climate pledge marks an important step toward greater environmental responsibility, but the country will need to follow through with concrete policies and actions to achieve its ambitious targets. As the world works to meet the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C goal, Brazil’s contribution will be critical in shaping global efforts to curb climate change. The international community will be watching closely as the country prepares to present its updated climate plan at COP29.