The Brazilian Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock (CNA) emphasizes that agribusiness is part of the solution to climate challenges, as stated during the launch of its position paper for COP29, set for November 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The event “Pre-COP29: From Baku to Belém” gathered experts, researchers, politicians, and representatives from state agricultural federations to present the sector’s position on climate issues.
CNA President João Martins delivered the document to key authorities, including Rashad Novruz, the Azerbaijani Ambassador to Brazil, Silvia Massruhá, President of EMBRAPA; Marco Túlio Scarpelli Cabral, Head of the Cabinet of the Climate, Energy, and Environment Secretariat at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Marussa Boldrin, Federal Deputy and representative of the Agriculture Parliamentary Group.
Martins stated, “The agribusiness sector is not only the most affected by extreme events but also offers solutions to climate challenges, adding to economic development and food security.” He called for a transparent strategy for Brazil to meet its ambitious emission reduction targets and highlighted that the role of Brazilian agriculture is critical in the mitigation and adaptation efforts.
Ambassador Novruz acknowledged Brazil’s importance in the COP process, stating, “Brazil is a relevant partner at COP29, and the agribusiness sector is crucial for global food security.” Martins added that the upcoming COP30 in Belém would be a critical opportunity to showcase Brazil’s sustainable agricultural practices to the world.
What the position paper says
CNA’s position paper highlights issues to be discussed at COP29, which are crucial for enhancing actions to mitigate and adapt to climate change. It emphasizes the role of agribusiness in fighting climate change, stressing the need for climate financing and the strengthening of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Muni Lourenço, President of the National Commission on the Environment, underlines the importance of investing in technological innovations to boost agricultural efficiency and resilience, connecting food security to climate goals.
The document refers to the Sharm el-Sheikh working group (created at COP27) as a chance to position Brazilian agribusiness as part of the solution to climate challenges, along with developing an online portal for agricultural and food security projects.
Moreover, the position paper looks ahead to COP30 in Belém as a significant opportunity to discuss sustainable development and Brazil’s new climate ambitions. Lourenço notes that the NDCs should be based on sectoral policies, engaging the productive sector and ensuring funding for adaptation and mitigation initiatives.
Eight points advocated by CNA within the central themes of COP29
Financing Climate Action (New Quantified Global Target)
CNA advocates for a substantial increase in climate investment to address the failure of developed nations to meet the $100 billion annual commitment. The need for a new global target is emphasized to ensure the financing of mitigation, adaptation, and loss and damage measures, enabling developing countries to meet their climate goals.
ABC+ Plan (Low-Carbon Agriculture)
The ABC+ Plan is highlighted as a key national policy driving Brazil’s low-carbon agriculture practices. CNA proposes that Brazil’s actions within the scope of this plan should be included in international discussions on sustainable agriculture, adding to the reduction of emissions and improving the resilience of agricultural systems worldwide.
Sharm El-Sheikh Climate Action Group (Agriculture and Food Security)
Building on the work of the Sharm El-Sheikh Group, CNA stresses the need to link agriculture with climate adaptation and food security. The role of agriculture in achieving climate goals through mitigation and adaptation actions is vital to global food security discussions, particularly in regions vulnerable to climate change.
Carbon Market (International Transfers of Mitigation Outcomes – ITMOs)
CNA advocates for Brazil to lead in setting bilateral and multilateral agreements for carbon credits, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, forestry, and land use. These agreements should ensure that mitigation outcomes from sustainable agriculture practices are eligible for carbon trading under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
Nationally Determined Contributions
Brazil’s NDCs are at the core of CNA’s climate strategy, emphasizing the role of the agricultural sector in achieving ambitious climate goals. CNA supports the revision and improvement of NDCs to strengthen their alignment with global efforts to limit global warming to 1.5°C, particularly as Brazil prepares for COP30.
Adaptation Mechanisms (Climate-Resilient Agriculture)
CNA highlights the critical need for climate finance and technology transfer to support agricultural adaptation. The impacts of climate change on food production, renewable energy, and biomass require urgent action to ensure the resilience of agricultural systems, particularly in Brazil’s tropical regions.
Transparency (Enhanced Transparency Framework)
To ensure the reliability of Brazil’s climate actions, CNA calls for the strengthening of the country’s capacity to prepare accurate emission inventories. These inventories are essential for tracking the progress of mitigation and carbon sequestration in agriculture, ensuring that Brazil’s actions are properly accounted for under the Paris Agreement’s Enhanced Transparency Framework.
Brazil’s Leadership at COP30 (Pathway from Baku to Belém)
Looking ahead to COP30, which Brazil will host in 2025, CNA emphasizes the country’s leadership in promoting sustainable agricultural and energy practices. Brazil’s role as a global leader in low-carbon agriculture and renewable energy will be showcased as part of its broader strategy to address climate change and drive international cooperation.
Find the CNA position paper for COP 28 here (in Portuguese).