Civil society platforms and the productive sector have delivered a roadmap for Brazil’s energy and climate transition to presidential candidates, focusing on results rather than just goals.
The future of Brazil’s climate sustainability is being shaped in the hands of its next leaders. Prominent entities, representing a broad spectrum of the economy and civil society, have presented presidential candidates with a set of detailed proposals to guide the country through its energy and climate transition. The message is clear: the time for merely setting targets has passed; the upcoming years, from 2027 to 2031, will require concrete actions and measurable results.
Despite their distinct backgrounds and interests—ranging from large corporations to non-governmental organizations and think tanks—all groups share the view that the climate agenda is intrinsically linked to Brazil’s economic development and international competitiveness. This convergence strengthens the argument that sustainability is not an obstacle, but rather a strategic pillar for national progress.
Reset analyzed the plans from four major organizations: the Brazilian Business Council for Sustainable Development (CEBDS), which brings together 110 large companies; the Brazil Climate, Forests and Agriculture Coalition; the Instituto Talanoa, a think tank focused on climate public policy; and the Climate Observatory (OC), a comprehensive network of environmental NGOs.
Convergence on Fundamental Pillars
The proposals from these four entities reveal remarkable alignment on seven essential pillars for Brazil’s climate future. Highlights include the pursuit of zero deforestation and strict compliance with the Forest Code, the promotion of low-carbon agriculture, and the implementation of socio-environmental traceability systems across the entire supply chain.
Additionally, the suggestions cover the development of climate finance mechanisms, the consolidation of a carbon market, and the adoption of a sustainable taxonomy. The prioritization of the bioeconomy and the restoration economy, along with a just energy transition and robust disaster adaptation and prevention strategies, also form the core of the recommendations.
A crucial point emphasized is that the transition to a greener economy is not limited to technological innovations or market shifts. Instead, it must be accompanied by profound social, economic, and political transformations. The objective is to correct historical inequalities, promote social inclusion, and combat environmental racism, ensuring that the benefits of the energy transition are widely distributed. This translates into a focus on decent green jobs, respect for territorial rights, the fight against energy poverty, and the development of more inclusive urban mobility.
The general perception is that the growing climate crisis, with its geopolitical impacts, is already being felt in the daily lives of the population. Phenomena such as rising electricity costs due to droughts, food price volatility, and the occurrence of environmental disasters serve as urgent warnings of the need for action.
Forests and Agribusiness: Pillars of the New Economy
The protection of Brazilian biomes and land regularization are identified as non-negotiable foundations for economic health, rural security, and the country’s international reputation. Agribusiness, despite being one of the main emitters of greenhouse gases (GHG), is also viewed as a sector with immense potential to mitigate these emissions and boost competitiveness.
There is a strong consensus on the urgency of streamlining the analysis of Rural Environmental Registries (CAR) and implementing Environmental Regularization Programs (PRA). Land regularization is seen as a fundamental step to unlock investments and accelerate the sector’s transition.
The entities propose linking access to credit lines, such as the Harvest Plan (Plano Safra) and the ABC+ Plan, to compliance with environmental laws and the submission of sustainability metrics. Producers who demonstrate environmental compliance could benefit from more favorable interest rates.
Implementing robust traceability systems, from the source in the field to the final consumer, is considered a crucial competitive advantage. This transparency is viewed as essential for accessing increasingly demanding global markets, such as the European market with its regulation on deforestation-free products (EUDR), and for safeguarding Brazilian exports.
Energy Transition: Between Oil and Renewables
One of the points of divergence among the proposals lies in the approach to energy transition, especially regarding the role of fossil fuels. While the Climate Observatory and Instituto Talanoa advocate for a faster exit, proposing an end to new oil exploration auctions, a ban on fracking, and the elimination of fossil fuel subsidies, CEBDS and the Brazil Coalition defend a more gradual transition.
The latter prioritize the advancement of biofuels and green hydrogen without explicitly requesting the shutdown of new oil reserve exploration by Petrobras. These organizations’ proposals focus on strengthening solar and wind energy, developing energy storage technologies like batteries, and reducing fossil fuel subsidies.
Financing for Change: Where is the Money?
The need for capital to enable the transition to a low-carbon economy is a point of agreement. There is consensus on the importance of regulating the Brazilian Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading System (SBCE) and implementing the Brazilian Sustainable Taxonomy, tools considered crucial for attracting investment, including international capital.
However, approaches to financing differ. CEBDS and the Brazil Coalition are betting on market mechanisms, such as “blended finance” and Eco Invest, to direct private capital to mitigation projects. Conversely, the Climate Observatory and Instituto Talanoa argue that the market alone will not be sufficient to meet the needs of more vulnerable municipalities, advocating for the provision of non-reimbursable resources for adaptation and climate justice initiatives.
The Climate Observatory points out that the Climate Fund, despite having a considerable budget, has an insufficient non-reimbursable portion to assist municipalities facing high climate vulnerability and low fiscal capacity. The organization estimates that about 1,500 municipalities find themselves in this situation.
Adaptation and Water Security: Future Priorities
Adaptation to climate change, with a special focus on water security, is another point of attention. Water availability is fundamental for food production, power generation, and infrastructure in general.
CEBDS proposes measures such as water reuse and the creation of a national regulatory framework for the use of treated wastewater in industry and agriculture. The Brazil Coalition advocates for payments for environmental services (PES) for producers and communities that protect aquifer recharge areas and springs.
Instituto Talanoa suggests modernizing the power grid and mechanisms for rapid response to mitigate risks associated with extreme droughts in energy generation. Furthermore, it proposes the drafting of national protocols for the prevention of and response to extreme events within the first 100 days of government.
The Climate Observatory reinforces the need to prioritize human consumption and animal watering during periods of water scarcity. The proposals underscore that Brazil’s climate resilience depends on an integrated approach that combines technological innovation, effective public policy, and a robust social commitment.
