Present in various sessions, Jorge Viana, the president of the Agency, emphasized this Friday (15) that the ecological transition must prioritize forest peoples. Watch the live broadcast of the Brazilian pavilion’s programming at COP29 on ApexBrasil's YouTube channel.
* Translated with AI
The Brazil Pavilion at COP29 (2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference) in Baku, Azerbaijan, centered around the theme "Paths to Ecological Transformation," hosted panels this Friday (15) discussing the construction of a new model for ecological transition with respect for forest peoples. Topics included the carbon market, wildfires, and energy transition.
The president of the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), Jorge Viana, who attended several sessions throughout the day, stated that the world's eyes are on Brazil, which has resumed its diplomatic role, creating a unique environment in the fight against climate change. According to Viana, no new business model, including decarbonization, can disregard the population living in the Amazon—approximately 30 million people.
"We must build a new model for ecological transition. I will fight for this agenda because we cannot repeat the model that helped create the problem," said Jorge Viana.
The realization of the Brazilian pavilion at COP29 is the result of a strategic partnership between ApexBrasil, several government institutions, and private sector organizations. Among the partners are the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE) and the Ministry of the Environment (MMA). Sponsors include: the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES); Banco do Brasil (BB); Caixa Econômica Federal (CEF); Banco da Amazônia (BASA); the Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service (Sebrae); the National Transport Confederation (CNT); the National Industry Confederation (CNI); Itaú; and the Climate and Society Institute (ICS).
Carbon Market and Socioeconomic Inclusion
Among the day's highlights, ApexBrasil signed a BRL 5.1 million commitment with the Brazil Alliance for Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to democratize access to the carbon market, benefiting small and medium-sized rural and forestry producers. Janaína Dallan, CEO of Carbonex and president of the organization, celebrated the progress and consensus around global carbon market rules, essential for effectively implementing Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement.
Environmental Agenda in the Brazilian Congress
The panel "Environmental Agenda in the Brazilian Congress: Progress and Challenges in Facing Climate Change" was moderated by Jorge Viana. The president of ApexBrasil proposed creating a Parliamentary Group to plan an agenda for COP30, to be held in Belém.
Federal Deputy Nilto Tatto (PT-SP), coordinator of the Environmentalist Mixed Parliamentary Front, praised Brazil's updated targets for the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDCs) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. On the opening day of COP29, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin reaffirmed the Brazilian government's goal of a reduction of up to 67% by 2035. Tatto criticized congressional projects that counteract environmental protection, such as those easing environmental licensing, removing the Union's exclusive ownership over marine lands, and the Temporal Framework reducing protected Indigenous lands. "We must not leave anyone behind in the process of developing the country with low greenhouse gas emissions," stated the deputy.
"We cannot prioritize economic risk over sustainability. It is dangerous to frame the environmental agenda as merely economic," echoed Deputy Carlos Veras (PT-PE), advocating for family farming to be at the center of discussions. "We must show the world that we are not the country that destroys the forest but the one that most preserves its biomes and promotes poverty and Indigenous inclusion," said Federal Deputy Clodoaldo Magalhães (PV-PE).
Federal Deputy Jorge Solla (PT-BA), a public health doctor, highlighted the "massive climate impact on the lives and health of populations, especially the most disadvantaged." He pointed to the extensive wildfires, respiratory illnesses, infectious diseases, and their effect on food security and mental health.
Energy Transition in Transportation
In the afternoon, various panels on transportation and energy transition took place, sponsored by CNT (National Transport Confederation). One debate on the decarbonization of the automotive sector included CNI (National Industry Confederation), Anfavea (National Association of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers), and Raízen, a leading bioenergy company operating in sugar and ethanol production, fuel distribution, renewable energy generation, and lubricants.
In the panel "Advancing Decarbonization in the Brazilian Automotive Sector and the Role of Biofuels", Anfavea advocated for creating a robust ecosystem for the electrified vehicle market. "The key to more effective decarbonization in Brazil is not just using vehicular technology but biofuels," said Henrique José Jr., Anfavea's Director of Sustainability and Strategic Partnerships.
"We see many people passionate about certain technologies, but we try to be agnostic. It’s not just ethanol, electric cars, hydrogen, or solar energy. The solution lies in combining all technologies. The goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and we need to elevate the discussion," stated André Valente, Raízen’s Sustainability Manager.
Juliana Falcão, Energy and Climate Manager at CNI, acknowledged the need for significant advancements and urged better coordination of government agendas and clearer public policies to meet decarbonization goals.
In the panel "Energy Transition in the Transportation Sector: The Role of Green Diesel", moderated by Ricardo Alban, CNI President, Jorge Viana emphasized Brazil's energy matrix leadership, with 84.25% from renewable sources. "The address for change is Brazil," said Viana, lamenting historical neglect of railroads and waterways in favor of highways.
Larissa Amorim, Sustainability Director at the Ministry of Ports and Airports, highlighted efforts to implement sustainable practices for companies and Brazilian ports. Cloves Benevides, Sustainability Undersecretary at the Ministry of Transport, reiterated that sustainability is a priority.
CNI Panel: Brazil's Leadership in Energy Transition
Another panel moderated by Davi Bomtempo, CNI’s Superintendent of Environment and Sustainability, featured Ana Toni, Secretary of Climate Change at the Ministry of Environment; Eric Cabral, Climate Manager at Petrobras; Alexandre Freire, Anatel Director; Elbia Gannoum, Executive President of ABEEólica (Brazilian Association of Wind Energy); and Roberto Ardenghy, IBP President (Brazilian Institute of Petroleum and Gas).
"To achieve the emissions reduction targets, we need support and investments. This is not solely Brazil's responsibility but the international community’s," said Ana Toni, advocating for sectoral plans expected to be ready by mid-2025.
Ardenghy stressed the petroleum and gas sector's commitment to a balanced transition. "We recognize fossil fuels' role in global warming, which is why we support decarbonization and renewable energy initiatives like biofuels," he said.
Eric Cabral highlighted Petrobras’ focus on decarbonizing production processes. Elbia Gannoum pointed to opportunities in emerging technologies such as low-carbon hydrogen and offshore wind, which require regulation.
Adaptation to Fire: Wildfires in Brazilian Biomes
Another heated discussion addressed "Adaptation to Fire: Opportunities for Convergence and Best Practices in Integrated Fire Management" under Law 14,944/2024, which established the National Integrated Fire Management Policy.
Wildfires that darkened the skies of Brazilian cities were the focus of Federal Deputy Rodrigo Agostinho (PT-SP), IBAMA President. "Climate change is a reality, with major wildfires across all Brazilian biomes this year," he said. "The practice of setting fires during hot and dry periods has created a tragedy," he admitted.
Jorge Viana, from the audience, praised Agostinho and issued a warning: "We are facing a serious problem—wildfires that affect all biomes and create victims."
"Fire can be used, but at the right time and in the right way," explained Ane Alencar, IPAM Science Director (Amazon Environmental Research Institute). Marcelo Elvira, Executive Secretary of the Forest Code Observatory, stressed the need to prevent wildfires, noting, "Fire is a pressing issue for adaptation in Brazil—and it’s only getting worse."
The day ended with a CNT-organized event featuring a cocktail and an exhibition of winning works from the CNT Journalism Award in the Environment and Transportation category.
Brazil Pavilion Programming at COP29
COP29 in Baku runs until November 22. Until then, the Brazil Pavilion will host numerous debates and presentations about the country’s initiatives in combating climate change and promoting sustainable economic development for Brazil and the world.
You can follow the programming live and recorded on ApexBrasil’s YouTube channel. Check out the full schedule of the Brazil Pavilion at COP29 here.
