Brazil targets 53pc emissions reduction by 2030

Brazil will increase its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets under its nationally determined contribution (NDC) to 53pc by 2030, compared with a 2005 baseline, environment minister Marina Silva told delegates at the UN's Climate Ambition Summit in New York city.

Last week, the country revoked the changes former president Jair Bolsonaro made to the 2015 NDC in which he set an emissions reduction target of 50pc by 2030 but he increased the 2005 baseline to make the aim more attainable. With the elimination of Bolsonaro's adjustments, Brazil was still limiting the level of emissions by 2030 to 1.2bn t CO2e.

But the country is going further than that, according to Silva. Brazil is targeting a reduction of 48pc by 2025 — from a 37pc target in the Bolsonaro era — and 53pc by 2030.

"This is despite that our historical responsibility is lower compared to richest countries," Silva said.

Silva highlighted the countries' achievements towards reducing deforestation of the Amazon rainforest since the administration of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva entered into force.

Deforestation has fallen by 42pc on the year since January. The country aims to reach zero deforestation by 2030.

"We would like to have a joint vision to protect our forests with other countries," Silva said, while adding that protection of forests is not enough to guarantee the path to net zero. The energy transition plays a much bigger role.

Brazil is promoting in New York the potential it has to be a clean energy hub given its vast renewable resources to produce clean electricity and biofuels.

The government has also promised to approve a draft law to create a new carbon market and legislation for renewable hydrogen, offshore wind and advanced biofuels.

By Jacqueline Echevarria