Ahead of COP30, Brazil sets the tone to boost fast, focused climate action

Brazil’s two largest cities - São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro - hosted back-to-back climate weeks this August aimed at shaping the agenda for the UN Climate Conference (COP30). The gatherings drew business leaders, investors, philanthropies, civil society and government leaders, all focused on positioning Brazil as a driver of sustainable growth and green industrialization.

High on the agenda were protecting Brazil’s vast forests, fast-tracking renewable energy and the country’s contribution in shaping global dialogues on climate and sustainability. Also critical was the COP Presidency’s focus on accelerating solutions through the Action Agenda — a framework designed to turn climate pledges into delivery.

“Our ambition is to scale actions that are already working to advance climate action and economic development together”, said Dan Ioschpe, Climate High-Level Champion for COP30. Both of Brazil’s climate weeks focused on implementing concrete solutions – a clear signal that the COP Presidency’s message about the Action Agenda is resonating with local actors.

What are the São Paulo and Rio Climate Weeks?

The Brazil Climate Weeks are part of a growing network of city-based events. Stretching from Baku to Rio de Janeiro, New York City, São Paulo, Bangkok and London, the Climate Weeks unite the international community around the latest trends on climate solutions. They also show how cities are becoming key players in mobilising communities, shaping policy and accelerating green industrialisation.

São Paulo Climate Week was held from August 2-8, while Rio Climate Week was held from August 22-28. During both weeks, leaders from diverse sectors showcased green solutions, and mobilised communities and partnerships to turn climate promises into real-world progress.

COP30 High-level Climate Champion Dan Ioschpe attended both climate weeks, meeting with business leaders about the actions they are taking to decarbonise their industries, and connecting with hard-to-abate sectors like transportation to see where Brazil can help move the needle on zero emission fuels.

Private sector leads climate solutions

At both climate weeks in Brazil, the private sector showed up in force, driving implementation efforts towards a low-carbon and nature positive economy. Business leaders recognised their responsibility to adapt value chains, take bold risks, and leverage success cases to advance climate action.

The Brazilian Business Council for Sustainable Development (CEBDS) showed how the private sector can be an engine for delivery. The launch of a new database called the ‘Brazil of Solutions’ includes135 initiatives from 58 companies on climate adaptation and mitigation. Solutions span forests, infrastructure, energy, industry, and agriculture. Nearly 80 per cent are related to emissions reduction, carbon credit generation, and climate adaptation.

“We have the confidence that the Brazilian business sector not only has the capacity, but also the commitment to accelerate the implementation agenda”, said Marina Grossi, COP30 Special Envoy for the Private Sector and president of CEBDS.

Protecting Brazil’s forests

Participants at the São Paulo and Rio climate noted Brazil’s strength in forest restoration and renewable energy. Nearly 58 per cent of Brazil is covered by native forests (496 million hectares) and over 80 per cent of the country’s electricity comes from renewables like biomass, solar and wind. Because of this advantage, Brazil is well positioned to influence both its own green transition, and the global one.

In 2023, Brazil cut illegal deforestation in the Amazon by 64 per cent, due to strong environmental policies. To advance forest protection, the Brazilian Government, in close collaboration with ten other countries, is leading the creation of the Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF) - one of the key initiatives featured in both São Paulo and Rio. This TFFF is an innovative mechanism to provide long-term, results-based payments to tropical forest countries for keeping their standing forests healthy through conservation and restoration.

Using a blended finance structure that leverages both public and private capital, the TFFF aims to achieve a target capital base of USD$125 billion, incentivising long-term forest conservation at scale.

Fast-tracking renewable energy

Advancing the use of renewable energy was also a key topic of discussion in São Paulo and Rio. Participants emphasized Brazil’s vast potential to lead the transition away from fossil fuels, towards becoming a green industrial powerhouse while boosting sustainable development.

In the last five years, the production of wind and solar power has more than doubled in the country. Since 2019, Brazil has expanded its renewable energy portfolio about tenfold. Currently, accounts for one fifth of global biofuel production globally, and its Ecological Transformation Plan targets further scale-up of ethanol and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in the next few years.

The debates also highlighted the need to expand infrastructure to attract investments through more competitive and cleaner energy sources, increasing competitiveness, and promoting socioeconomic development.

What’s next

From September 1-6, the city of Addis Ababa in Ethiopia will host Climate Week 2 in Africa, as part of the official UNFCCC calendar. Also from September 21-28, Climate Week in New York will bring together governments, business leaders, civil society, academia, philanthropies, and academia. From September 29 to October 3, COP29 host Baku, Azerbaijan, will host its own Climate Action Week, as the world prepares to meet at COP30 in November.