Brazil will reduce greenhouse gas emissions in 10% by 2028

Alan Santos/PR

On World Environment Day 2018, the Federal Government has announced a 10% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in Brazil’s fuel mix by 2028. The RenovaBio programme will prevent 600 million tonnes of carbon from being released into the atmosphere over the next 10 years. This total is equivalent to two years of emissions in the country’s fuel mix.

In addition, the programme will stimulate the wider use of biofuels in Brazil’s mix – from the current 20% to 28.6%. According to acting Environment Minister Edson Duarte, this reinforces Brazil’s commitment to building effective environmental policies. “This measure demonstrates Brazil’s leading position in reducing greenhouse gases”, he said during a ceremony at the Presidential Palace, during which the targets were officially sanctioned by President Michel Temer in the presence of several Cabinet ministers.

The impacts of this decision include R$ 1.3 trillion in investments to expand the production of biofuels during the same period; at least a 0.84% reduction in retail fuel prices by the end of the period; and the reduction of Brazil’s exposure to currency exchange risks and to international oil prices, as the country will rely less on imported fossil fuels.

Quality of living

“This initiative shows that we, Brazilians, need to make an effort so as not to compromise our tomorrow […] Upholding our commitment under the Paris Agreement means exactly this: showing Brazil’s commitment to ensuring higher quality of living to all our children and brothers”, declared Mines and Energy Minister Moreira Franco.

Another mechanism is the independent certification of biofuel producers. This certification will be issued by private companies accredited to do so under the RenovaBio programme, and will be supervised by the National Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels Agency (ANP).

RenovaBio

RenovaBio was created by Law no. 13,576/17 with the objective of expanding biofuel production in Brazil. Its pillars are predictability; environmental, economic and social sustainability; and compatibility with market growth. In addition to providing a more direct channel of communication with the private sector, this policy is based on four strategic axes: discussing the role of biofuels in Brazil’s energy mix; promoting development based on environmental, economic and financial sustainability; enforcing market rules; and devoting attention to new biofuels. RenovaBio also contributes to Brazil meeting its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.