Climate Politics in Brazil

What is it about?

The aims of this chapter are to provide a critical examination of the forces shaping Brazilian climate politics over the past decade and the major obstacles to the deepening of climate mitigation policy in Brazil, and to examine political strategies that the Brazilian government could use to avoid or moderate these constraining forces. In order to achieve these aims, the chapter is divided into six sections. In the first, we analyse Brazil’s status in the global economy and the country’s unique significance in the global carbon cycle. In the second section, we outline the main features of Brazil’s greenhouse gas trajectory, focusing on Brazil’s key emissions sources: deforestation, agriculture and cattle, energy, industry and waste. In the third section, we provide an overview of governing structures in Brazil relevant to climate and energy policies. In the fourth, we highlight the major features of Brazilian climate politics and policies in the last two decades, noting the growing awareness of climate issues in the country and the evolution of mitigation measures since 2009.

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Why is it important?

Recent advances in aspects of Brazilian climate policy have led to a significant reduction in the rate of carbon emissions from deforestation in the Amazonian region of the country. Despite the notable progress made in this area, Brazil still faces significant social, economic and political challenges in embedding a low-carbon model of economic development.

Perspectives