Brazilian participation at COP26: week two highlights

In an environment somewhat in contrast with the Brazilian government’s official pavilion at COP26, the Brazilian civil society pavilion – known as the Brazil Climate Action Hub – was a center of activity and excitement, bringing together several non-governmental organizations, scientists and representatives from the private sector.

Participation of indigenous peoples

On November 9, 2021, “An Agenda for the Development of the Amazon” was launched within the Brazil Climate Action Hub. Developed as part of the Amazon Concertation (Uma Concertação pela Amazônia) initiative, the document proposes measures while highlighting the role of indigenous communities in the region’s sustainable development.

Indigenous activist Txai Suruí, the only Brazilian representative to participate in COP26’s opening round of speeches, defended the role of the indigenous community in forest conservation and demanded immediate action from authorities to contain global warming.

Indigenous groups also took to the streets of Glasgow in protest on the same day. Promoted by the Articulation of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil (APIB) in conjunction with the Extinction Rebellion and Amazon Rebellion movements, a demonstration dubbed “Struggle for Life” was held. Echoing Txai Suruí’s speech, the demonstration called for greater consideration of indigenous efforts toward forest conservation, clearly demarcated land reserves, efficient climate financing, and indigenous peoples’ inclusion in the debate on climate change.

BNDES presents incentive for energy efficiency

On November 9, 2021, the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) presented its Credit Guarantees for Energy Efficiency Program (FGEnergia), which is expected to start in 2022. The project will grant small and medium-sized companies credit in order to obtain more energy-efficient equipment.

The program aims to ensure better energy use to help in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It also allows companies to be more competitive by reducing their energy consumption and operating costs.

It is estimated that BRL 45 million in funding will be made available via the National Program for Energy Conservation (Procel), an initiative of the Brazilian state-run energy company Eletrobras. Regardless, the BNDES has indicated it is negotiating with other parties to obtain further funding for the program.

Brazil in the COP26 negotiations

According to reports in the local British press, which followed the negotiations throughout the conference, Brazil adopted a different stance compared to previous COPs, where it was considered among the main countries responsible for stalling the definition of certain rules of the Paris Agreement.

Brazilian representatives are understood to have reviewed previously adopted positions, supporting the efforts of the European Union to implement Article 6 of the Paris Agreement .

Brazil’s major point of contention in the past concerned the application of the corresponding adjustments  mechanism that would prevent carbon credits from being counted twice, i.e., by both the host country of the project issuing them and the country that purchased them. At COP26, Brazil reconsidered its position in this regard, indicating its support for the mechanism.

For further information on COP26, see the specialized content developed by Mattos Filho’s Environmental Law and Climate Change practice area:

• Brazil’s state governors launch ‘Consórcio Brasil Verde’
• Youth activists press for climate and humanitarian action at COP26
• Nature and Land Use Day marked by new agriculture commitments
• Fashion industry renews commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

*With the collaboration of de Maria Eduarda Garambone, Anna Carolina Gandolfi, Mariana Diel e Gabriel Pereira Bispo de Oliveira.