Brazil achieved its most significant reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in sixteen years during 2024. The nation successfully curtailed emissions by a substantial 16.7% when measured against the figures from 2023. This sharp decline was a direct consequence of concerted and targeted measures aimed at curbing the rate of deforestation across critical ecosystems, specifically the Amazonia and the Cerrado biomes. Overall gross emissions for 2024 totaled 2.145 billion tons of CO₂ equivalent, a marked improvement from the 2.576 billion tons of CO₂ equivalent recorded just one year prior.
The data, released by the Climate Observatory and based on calculations from the SEEG system (thirteenth edition), provides crucial insight into this environmental turnaround. When accounting for the carbon absorption capacity of the country's forests, the net reduction in emissions reached an impressive 22%. Historically, the land use sector has been Brazil's largest source of pollution. In 2024, this sector accounted for 42% of the total gross emissions. Crucially, 98% of those land use emissions were directly attributable to deforestation activities. These statistics underscore a fundamental shift in the national approach to natural resource management and conservation.
In parallel with these ecological triumphs, the National Congress took a major legislative step in November 2024 by approving the law that establishes the Brazilian Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading System (SBCE). This new market-based instrument is designed to drive decarbonization across the economy. Under the new system, companies that emit more than 25,000 tons of CO₂ equivalent annually will be mandated to participate in the emissions allowance trading scheme. Such Emissions Trading Systems (ETS) are widely adopted globally; they currently cover jurisdictions responsible for approximately 55% of the global GDP. The European Union pioneered this approach, launching its first major ETS back in 2005.
These significant domestic achievements substantially bolster Brazil’s influence on the global stage as preparations ramp up for the Thirtieth UN Climate Change Conference (COP30). This pivotal summit is scheduled to take place in Belém from November 10 to 21, 2025. André Correa du Lago, the President of COP30, has emphasized that the event will serve as a crucial platform to amplify the voices of developing nations, particularly concerning the vital issues of climate financing and adaptation strategies.
Brazil’s negotiating position at the upcoming summit will be reinforced not only by its verifiable emissions reduction success but also by a proactive initiative focused on integrating carbon markets. This effort aims to harmonize international standards for quota trading, positioning Brazil as a leader in structuring a globally coherent carbon pricing mechanism. By combining proven environmental results with forward-thinking policy proposals, the nation seeks to exert maximum leverage in shaping the future trajectory of global climate action and resource management.