In the upcoming 28th UN Climate Change Conference (COP28), Brazil, under the leadership of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, is gearing up for a transformative role. André Corrêa do Lago, the Secretary for Climate, Energy, and the Environment at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, discusses Brazil's commitment to combating global warming and outlines the nation's strategic initiatives in an exclusive interview with the Public Agency.
Brazil's Pivotal Role and the 1.5°C Mission
With the conference set to take place in Belém in 2025, Brazil seeks a leadership position by rallying nations around the crucial goal of limiting the planet's average temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-Industrial Revolution levels. This aligns with the objectives of the Paris Agreement, yet recent analyses suggest a trajectory toward a 2.5°C to 2.9°C global warming, prompting devastating consequences for human health, economies, and ecosystems.
COP28's Key Decision: The Global Stocktake
Scheduled from November 30 to December 12 in Dubai, the COP28's pivotal decision revolves around the Global Stocktake – a comprehensive assessment of collective progress in implementing the Paris Agreement's objectives. Brazil emphasizes the need to integrate the latest scientific findings into this assessment, asserting that a thorough evaluation should consider the current state of climate action.
Financing Climate Action: Brazil's Central Diplomatic Focus
Ambassador André Corrêa do Lago stresses the centrality of financial resources in unlocking ambitious climate goals. Brazil aims to play a crucial role during its G20 presidency (December 2023 to November 2024), emphasizing that financial commitments are fundamental for developing countries to accelerate efforts. The G20, representing 80% of the world's GDP and emissions, offers a platform to advance consensus on critical initiatives.
Fossil Fuels Debate and Brazil's Balancing Act
The discussion around fossil fuels, particularly the phase-out and phase-down strategies, emerges as a delicate negotiation point. Ambassador Corrêa do Lago acknowledges Brazil's newfound status as a significant oil producer and underscores the need for a balanced approach. Brazil intends to integrate its economic interests with climate change combat strategies, ensuring a nuanced position that aligns with global efforts.
COP28: A Prelude to COP30 in Belém
Brazil's proactive stance involves proposing a global forest conservation mechanism, emphasizing a bottom-up approach, acknowledging forests as more than just carbon stores. As COP28 shapes the narrative, Brazil positions itself as a facilitator of challenging negotiations, emphasizing solutions over mere criticism. The nation aims to pave the way for a successful COP30 in Belém, focusing on ambitious and sustainable Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to curb emissions.
Navigating Challenges for a Sustainable Future
As Brazil charts its course for COP28, the nation envisions a collaborative and scientifically informed approach to address the climate emergency. By emphasizing financial support, transparent global initiatives, and a nuanced stance on fossil fuels, Brazil aims to catalyze a collective effort to mitigate the impacts of climate change. The COP28 journey is not just a diplomatic endeavor for Brazil; it's a strategic move towards a sustainable and resilient future for the planet.
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SOURCE: https://apublica.org/2023/11/cop28-de-olho-em-belem-brasil-quer-uniao-global-em-torno-da-meta-de-15c/
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