In the run-up to COP 26, Brazil can be seen both as a leader and as a laggard in the transition to a low-carbon economy, depending on which lens is used. Considering its total emission profile, Brazil has been lagging on the deforestation front, resulting in record greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions due to land use and forest loss rates. At the same time, the country is already a leader in renewable energy and has vast natural resources and a robust institutional framework to lead the energy transition. In this context, COP 26 can be an opportunity to uniquely position Brazil in the climate and energy agenda, by strengthening private-sector support to fight illegal deforestation, promoting sound carbon markets, and consolidating Brazil´s orientation to the future of energy.

These insights are included in an article written by Clarissa Lins – founding partner at Catavento and member of CEBRI’s Board of Trustees – and Bruna Mascotte – senior partner at Catavento – as part of the University of Oxford’s Institute for Energy Studies publication on COP26. To download Catavento’s article click here. The full publication is available here.

Photo by Matheus Betat on Unsplash