At the COP29 climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, Brazil unveiled its new Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for 2035. This ambitious climate commitment highlights a transformative agenda for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fostering sustainable development. Delivered by Vice President Geraldo Alckmin to the UNFCCC Executive Secretary Simon Stiell, the NDC signifies a new paradigm for Brazil’s economic and environmental strategies, aligning with global efforts to mitigate climate change.
Key Goals of New NDC
Updated NDC of Brazil aims to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 59% to 67% by 2035, compared to 2005 levels. This equates to reaching between 850 million and 1.05 billion tons of CO₂ equivalent. The targets reflect Brazil’s dedication to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, consistent with the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
The commitment includes a flexible “banded target,” allowing for adjustments based on economic shifts, technological advancements, and international cooperation. This adaptive approach underscores the importance of aligning ambition with feasibility in a rapidly evolving global context.
You can read Brazil’s NDC in English here:
The Role of the Plano Clima
The Plano Clima, currently in its final stages of development, forms the backbone of Brazil’s NDC implementation. This comprehensive plan includes seven sectoral strategies for emission mitigation and 16 for climate adaptation. It incorporates the Brazilian Land-Use and Energy System (Blues) methodology, a scientific approach to scenario modeling for emission reductions.
These strategies aim to address emissions across all sectors, including energy, industry, agriculture, and land use, while ensuring resilience against the impacts of climate change.
Brazil’s Leadership in Global Climate Action
The announcement at COP29 marks a shift in Brazil’s global stance—from climate skepticism to leadership in environmental responsibility. Brazil is now the second country to submit its 2035 climate goals ahead of the 2025 deadline, showcasing its proactive approach. The country’s progress includes a significant 30.6% reduction in deforestation in the Amazon and a 25.7% decline in the Cerrado between 2023 and 2024, avoiding 400.8 million tons of CO₂ emissions.
These achievements have been bolstered by initiatives such as the Plan for Prevention and Control of Deforestation in the Amazon (PPCDAm) and the Cerrado equivalent (PPCerrado). These plans are critical to preserving Brazil’s rich biodiversity and maintaining its role as a global climate powerhouse.
Innovative Financing Mechanisms: The BIP Platform
Central to Brazil’s new climate strategy is the Platform for Climate Investments and Ecological Transformation (BIP). This initiative aims to mobilize domestic and international capital to fund sustainable projects. Its three main priorities are nature-based solutions, bioeconomy, and energy and mobility transformations.
The BIP streamlines investor engagement, acting as a gateway to Brazil’s green economy by consolidating efforts across ministries and aligning with national priorities. By leveraging its abundant natural resources and advancing green technology, Brazil positions itself as a global hub for sustainability-driven investments.
A New Model for Prosperity
The new NDC represents more than emission reductions—it is a framework for a sustainable economic transformation. Guided by the Pact for Ecological Transformation, Brazil integrates climate justice, economic growth, and social equity. Key mechanisms, such as the Brazilian Sustainable Taxonomy (TSB) and regulated carbon markets under the Brazilian Emissions Trading System (SBCE), ensure accountability and innovation.
By channeling international funding, including support from the Amazon Fund and the Tropical Forest Forever Fund, Brazil combines ecological preservation with economic growth. These efforts are vital for achieving neutrality by 2050 while fostering new industries and creating jobs.
Looking Ahead: Hosting COP30
As Brazil prepares to host COP30 in Belém, the country’s commitment to climate leadership will be in the global spotlight. Its ambitious targets and innovative strategies set a precedent for integrating sustainability into national development.
By aligning its policies with global climate goals and addressing domestic socio-environmental challenges, Brazil is poised to lead the way in climate action. The new NDC is not just a promise—it is a roadmap for a prosperous, equitable, and sustainable future.