Brazil to Launch Green Transition Plan Worth Hundreds of Billions of Dollars

Brazil is gearing up to unveil an ambitious green transition plan that will involve significant investments from both the public and private sectors, totaling hundreds of billions of dollars, as reported by the Financial Times on July 27. The plan, which is set to be announced in the coming months, will encompass approximately 100 initiatives across six policy areas, ranging from carbon trading and bioeconomy to infrastructure adaptation. To ensure the plan’s financial viability, the government plans to forge partnerships with the private sector, which will contribute a substantial portion of the funding for the package.

The transition plan reflects the environmental agenda of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who took office in January 2023. Lula has been committed to transforming Brazil into a green economy and combating deforestation in the Amazon. During the first six months of 2023, the destruction of Amazon rainforest decreased by more than 33% compared with the same period last year. The transition plan will focus on several key strategies, including the establishment of a regulated carbon market, investments in green technologies, and the promotion of industries based on the Brazil’s rich biodiversity. For instance, the World Bank estimates that the value of Amazon rainforest would reach USD317bn a year, as it can serve as a base for carbon storage projects that enable Brazil profit from exporting carbon credits. In addition, the country aims to leverage its abundant hydropower resources to become a hub for green technologies, such as renewable hydrogen.

Sources:

https://www.ft.com/content/373079cb-63fe-45ad-a0cd-40ee8c4ca948

https://unclimatesummit.org/brazil-set-to-unveil-its-boldest-and-most-ambitious-green-transition-package/

https://www.economist.com/the-americas/2023/06/13/lulas-ambitious-plans-to-save-the-amazon-clash-with-reality