ing a trail of death and destruction. In southern Brazil, we have had the worst flooding since 1941. The Amazon is facing its worst drought in 45 years. Forest fires have spread across the country and already devoured 5 million hectares in August alone. My government does not out- source responsibilities or abdicate its sovereignty. We have already done a lot, but we know that more has to be done. In addition to facing the challenge of the climate crisis, we are fighting against those who profit from environ- mental degradation. We will not make compromises in our fight against environmental crimes, illegal mining, and organized crime. We have reduced deforestation in the Amazon by 50% in the last year, and we will eradicate it by 2030. It is no longer acceptable to consider solutions for tropical rainforests with- out listening to indigenous peoples, traditional communities, and all those who live in them. Our vision of sustainable develop- ment is based on the potential of the bioeconomy. Brazil is going to host COP30 in 2025, and is convinced that multilateralism is the only way to overcome the climate emergency. Our Nationally Determined Contribu- tion – NDC – will be presented later this year, in line with the goal of limiting the increase in the planet’s temperature to one and a half degrees. Brazil is emerging as a source of opportunities in a world that is being revolutionized by the energy transition. Today, we are one of the countries with the cleanest energy matrix. Altogether, 90% of our electricity comes from renewable sources such as biomass, hydroelectric, solar, and wind power. We opted for biofuels 50 years ago, long before the discussion on alterna- tive energy sources gained leverage. We are at the forefront of other impor- tant niches such as the production of green hydrogen. It is time to address the debate on the slow pace of global decarbonization, and to work towards an economy that is less dependent on fossil fuels. United Nations General Assembly, 24 September 2024
Wind turbines in north-east Brazil
This is the path we have chosen to fol- low. Every action our government takes is committed to reducing inequality. We need to remember that the climate agenda is not a cost. In addition to being essential for the survival of the planet and humanity, it generates employ- ment and income opportunities. This comprehensive vision of devel- opment is deeply linked to the funda- mental role of public investment. Whether in the sustainable biofu- els industry or in the works of the New PAC, which includes at least 20 low- carbon fuel projects. Under the competent leadership of Minister Marina [Silva], we launched the National Bioeconomy Strategy, which combines environmental pro- tection with job and income generation, social inclusion and the promotion of science, technology and innovation. We launched the Green Mobility and Innovation Program – MOVER, which expands the sustainability require- ments of the automotive fleet. While improving the quality of life in large cities, MOVER stimulates the production of new technologies in the areas of mobility. We want to ensure that the decisions taken here reverberate throughout Brazil, and also abroad, bringing about concrete and lasting changes. This is a country that has once again developed a national project and a vision for the future. Speech at the signing of the Pact for Eco- logical Transformation between the Three Powers of the Brazilian State, 21 August 2024 We are condemned to the interdepend- ence of climate change. The planet no longer waits to hold the next generation accountable and is tired of unfulfilled climate agreements. It is weary of neglected carbon emis- sion reduction targets and of financial aid to poor countries that never arrives. Denialism is succumbing to the evi- dence of global warming. The year 2024 is on track to be the hot- test year in modern history. Hurricanes in the Caribbean, typhoons in Asia, droughts and floods in Africa, and torrential rains in Europe are leav-
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