November 13, 2024 – Today at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, Brazil has submitted its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, outlining its commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the worsening impacts of climate change. While the updated targets represent progress, climate campaigners stress that far greater ambition and actions towards fossil fuel phase out are needed for it to be aligned with the 1.5°C global heating.
Andreas Sieber, Associate Director of Policy and Campaigns at 350.org said:
“Brazil’s NDC is commendable in its strong language to move away from fossil fuels and quantified renewable energy targets. While Brazil has made progress on deforestation under Lula’s leadership, the plan to tackle the largest source of emissions in Brazil remains weak and not concrete.
The submitted NDC includes an emission reduction range of 59 to 67% compared to 2005 levels. Having this wide a range creates uncertainty and weakens ways of accountability. It signals a lack of full commitment from Brazil and shows that the country is less likely to implement the policies needed to reach ambitious climate action. Brazil’s target range of 59 to 67% by 2035 falls short: the lower range is unacceptably low, while the upper limit, though a positive step, should be seen as just the starting point for Brazil to fully embrace its leadership potential in the fight against climate change.
As COP30 hosts and home to most of the Amazon rainforest, Brazil has an unique responsibility—and opportunity—to lead global climate action by example. It must show the world what it means to be a climate leader while at the forefront of international climate negotiations.
Brazil’s submitted NDC is a step forward, but the world cannot afford commitments that leave room for interpretation, we need clear ambitious climate action now.”
Illan Zugman, Latin America Director at 350.org, added:
“Brazil has the potential to lead the world in showing that economic growth and climate action can go hand in hand. This requires not only promises, but transformative policies and immediate implementation and we must see that in Brazil’s NDC. It’s heartening to see language on transitioning away from fossil fuels in this NDC, but Brazil needs to go a step further. Fossil fuels do not amount to development, and we need to see clear milestones for a fossil fuel phase out.This is clearer every day as climate catastrophes hit Brazil and the world.
The Brazilian government must show us that they are listening to Indigenous Peoples and traditional communities and are working together with civil society towards a just energy transition that puts people over profits.
As the international community gathers at COP29 climate negotiations, the pressure is mounting on major economies, including Brazil, to demonstrate more leadership. Brazil’s NDC is a call to action—not only for the government but for the global community. There is no time to waste in turning commitments into real, measurable outcomes.”
Note to editors
- Emissions Reduction Target: The upper end of Brazil’s target range is acceptable, but the lower end lacks ambition and does not align with a 1.5°C pathway. The target aims for a 59% to 67% reduction by 2035 from 2005 levels, which equates to a 39%–50% cut from 2019 levels. According to the IPCC, a 1.5°C-aligned pathway requires a 60% reduction by 2035.
- Energy Transition: The NDC includes positive language referencing the Global Stocktake and COP28’s decision to move away from fossil fuels. While further policies should set more quantitative targets, this language is a step forward. However, excluding Brazil’s extensive fossil fuel expansion for export markets remains a missed opportunity.
- Deforestation: The NDC reaffirms a zero-deforestation target, aligning with Brazil’s previous commitment to end deforestation by 2030. It mentions “coordinated and continuous efforts” toward this goal, which, while essential, could benefit from stronger commitments in the NDC.
- Transport: The NDC expresses support for transitioning from fossil fuels but lacks specifics on biofuels, raising some concerns over unquantified targets in this sector.
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