Minister Haddad and Special Presidential Envoy Kerry announce joint efforts to advance the Ecological Transformation Plan and other climate priorities.
In a significant move towards addressing the urgent climate crisis, the Governments of Brazil and the United States have announced their commitment to work together in combating climate change. Minister Fernando Haddad of Brazil and Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry of the United States met in Dubai during the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The two leaders recognized the gravity of the situation and pledged to cooperate bilaterally and with other partners to advance the implementation of the Ecological Transformation Plan and other climate priorities.
Enhancing Financing and Support for Climate Initiatives
To accelerate the implementation of the Ecological Transformation Plan, Minister Haddad and Special Presidential Envoy Kerry announced their intention to improve and expand the use of diverse instruments to enhance the flows of financing and support. This includes collaboration with government, philanthropic, private sector, and multilateral partners. By leveraging these partnerships, the aim is to mobilize resources and funding necessary for the successful implementation of the plan.
Harnessing Technology for Climate Solutions
Recognizing the potential of technology in accelerating the implementation of regulatory frameworks related to the Ecological Transformation Plan, Brazil and the United States plan to assemble a coalition of interested actors in the technology sector. This coalition will explore the use of technologies like artificial intelligence to enhance forest monitoring systems and support the goals of the plan. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, the countries aim to strengthen their efforts in combating climate change.
Task Forces and Cooperation
The Government of Brazil plans to convene task forces comprised of government, philanthropic, private sector, and multilateral partners, including the United States. These task forces will explore how their diverse instruments and tools can support the implementation of the Ecological Transformation Plan and other climate priorities. The first meeting of these task forces is scheduled for February 2024, ahead of the G20 Finance Ministerial. This collaborative approach will ensure a comprehensive and coordinated effort to tackle climate change.
Overlapping Goals and Funding
Minister Haddad and Special Presidential Envoy Kerry acknowledged the overlapping goals between the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation’s (DFC) climate investment priorities in Brazil and the Ecological Transformation Plan. They welcomed President Biden’s announcement to request $500 million over five years for the Amazon Fund and related activities. The initial transfer of funding has already taken place, and efforts are underway to secure further appropriations through collaboration with Congress.
Accelerating Investment and Joining the First Movers Coalition
Recognizing the importance of structural reforms in Brazil to improve the investment environment, Minister Haddad announced Brazil’s intention to join the United States in the First Movers Coalition. As the first Latin American country to pledge support, Brazil aims to create early markets in clean technologies through policy measures and private sector engagement. This initiative will focus on decarbonizing the hard-to-abate heavy industry and long-distance transportation, furthering the country’s commitment to a sustainable future.
Coordinating Assistance and Enhancing Climate Ambition
Minister Haddad and Special Presidential Envoy Kerry also expressed their intention to explore opportunities to coordinate assistance to third parties. This assistance aims to increase climate ambition, accelerate the implementation of ambitious climate targets, and enhance monitoring, reporting, and verification capacity. By working together, Brazil and the United States seek to inspire and support other nations in their climate efforts.
Conclusion:
The joint efforts between Brazil and the United States to combat climate change mark a significant step forward in addressing the urgent global crisis. Through enhanced financing, technology utilization, and collaborative initiatives, the two countries aim to advance the implementation of the Ecological Transformation Plan and other climate priorities. By joining forces, Brazil and the United States set an example for international cooperation in the fight against climate change, emphasizing the importance of collective action and shared responsibility.
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