The IPCC released a Report last October that warns there is a need for urgent measures to reduce the pace of climate change. Regarding Brazil, it means that the need for negative emissions automatically increases the importance of combating Amazon deforestation and the promotion of large-scale reforestation initiatives aimed at increasing carbon storage. Forests can store carbon from the atmosphere, a key issue for climate change.

It is a growing concern that the Amazon and other areas of tropical forests are at risk due to the increasing need to store carbon. We have to 100% stop the deforestation of tropical areas. Stopping forest destruction is the cheapest and most efficient way to reduce emissions and bring major benefits. It is easier and cheaper, for example, to change the energy structure of a country and, moreover, also support the global need for increased carbon storage.

Deforestation is basically a matter of legislation and enforcing that legislation. This leaves Brazil in a delicate situation, since in the last four years deforestation has increased from 5 thousand km² to 8 thousand km². We need to remember from Climate Scorecard’s latest posts that Brazil has been favoring the expansion of agricultural activities, and that President-elected Jair Bolsonaro continues to signal the weakening of environmental agencies in his government, which starts on January 2019.

Rating and Analysis: * Falling Behind

The next president of Brazil will have the mission to reduce by 43% the Brazilian emissions by 2030. This can only be done by fighting hard against the deforestation of the Amazon. Facing climate change is a moral obligation for the survival of Brazilians, both now and for the future. However, Jair Bolsonaro seems to ignore the effects of global warming and Brazil’s responsibility in reducing CO2 emissions.

Take Action: Please send the following message to the policymaker below:

To the Mission of Brazil to the United Nations.

In Brazil, political and business leaders have a duty to broaden the commitments already made with the global community and take the necessary measures to protect us from the impacts that are already being felt, such as prolonged severe droughts and record storms. In addition to accelerating the transition to a 100% clean and renewable energy matrix, the country has the challenge to revolutionize the agricultural sector—which accounts for about 70% of the Brazilian emissions. This includes reducing the number of cattle, the use of fertilizers, and the deforestation of new areas, and bringing develop and land use to a sustainable level.

Contact:

Mission of Brazil to the United Nations

Tel: +1-212-372-2600

E-mail: distri.delbrasonu@itamaraty.gov.br

Address: 747 3rd Avenue, 9th floor, 10017, New York, NY