Climate change is a phenomenon that occurs over time, affecting temperature and climate patterns on a global scale. These transformations can be the result of natural processes, such as variations in the solar cycle, but, in recent decades, human activities have played a key role in driving these changes, especially due to the burning of fossil fuels.

Since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, around 1800, the use of coal, oil and gas as energy sources has intensified. However, the burning of these fossil fuels releases large amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, creating a kind of "blanket" that retains the sun's heat and increases temperatures on the planet.

The main greenhouse gases responsible for climate change are carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4). These emissions are the result of a variety of human activities, such as the use of gasoline to drive vehicles and the consumption of coal to heat buildings. Furthermore, land and forest clearing can also release large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, while landfills are a major source of methane emissions.

Several sectors of society are considered major emitters of greenhouse gases. Industry, energy, transport, buildings, agriculture and land use all play significant roles in generating these emissions. From energy production through coal-fired thermoelectric plants to the use of nitrogen fertilizers in agriculture, each sector contributes in some way to climate change.

The increase in global temperatures caused by greenhouse gas emissions has significant consequences for the environment and for human societies. Among the most obvious effects are the melting of glaciers, rising sea levels, the intensification of extreme weather events such as storms and droughts, and the impact on biodiversity.

Despite the magnitude of the problem of climate change, many solutions are already known that can help to face it and build a more sustainable future. These solutions not only address climate issues, but also bring economic benefits, improving lives and protecting the environment.

One of the main actions to be taken is the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. For this, the transition from energy systems based on fossil fuels to renewable sources, such as solar and wind energy, is essential. This shift will not only reduce the emissions that drive climate change, it will also contribute to the creation of green jobs and the development of clean technologies.

In addition, it is necessary to adapt to the already inevitable impacts of climate change. This involves the implementation of adaptation measures in several areas, such as infrastructure, agriculture, water resources management and urban planning. By strengthening resilience and adaptive capacity, it is possible to minimize the damage caused by extreme weather events and ensure the safety of communities.

However, to achieve these solutions, adequate funding is required. Mobilizing financial resources is essential to support the transition to a low-carbon economy and to sustain adaptation measures. In this sense, global agreements, such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, provide guidelines and mechanisms for progress and international cooperation.

To limit global warming to a safe level, it is crucial to act quickly. A growing coalition of countries has already committed to the goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. However, to reach this goal, around half of the emissions cuts must be implemented by 2030. This requires immediate and ambitious action across all sectors. of the economy.

One of the key sectors that requires special attention is the production of fossil fuels. It is necessary to drastically reduce the production of coal, oil and natural gas, reducing around 6% per year between 2020 and 2030. This reduction is fundamental to fight climate change and promote the transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy matrix.

Faced with these challenges, awareness of climate change and the search for sustainable solutions become increasingly urgent. The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the transition to clean and renewable energy sources, the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices and the conservation of ecosystems are fundamental measures to mitigate the effects of climate change and guarantee a safer and healthier future for the next generations.

UN Guidelines for a Sustainable Future: Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

According to the latest report released by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), there is still time to contain global warming, as long as urgent measures are adopted. The effects of climate change are already being felt in several regions of the world, manifesting themselves through floods, natural disasters, heat waves, droughts, hurricanes, among other phenomena. Unfortunately, it is the most vulnerable population that ends up suffering most from these impacts.

To face this problem, the UN establishes guidelines that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions over the next 30 years. These guidelines include massive investments in clean energy sources, adoption of sustainable practices in agriculture, livestock, transport and industry, among other areas. Professor Bruce Usher of the Columbia Business School believes this represents a huge opportunity for companies that invest in decarbonisation.

“Decarbonizing the economy will require robust investments, estimated at more than US$ 100 trillion”, he says.

He points out that the climate crisis has increased the focus on issues such as energy security, which creates opportunities for the development of renewable energies such as wind, solar and biomass.

Climate change has become increasingly visible in people's daily lives, leading young people in particular to accelerate the need for change. Young people are choosing the companies they want to work for and the products they consume based on the sustainability of the brands.

In addition, it notes that governments are increasingly aware of the need to adopt measures to promote decarbonization, which stimulates innovation on the part of companies. Examples of this are investments in the automotive industry in more efficient engines and electrification, as well as the growth of the ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) agenda in companies.

Governments must provide subsidies for low-carbon technologies under development, while investors must finance climate solutions and support those that already exist.

Business leaders, investors, local and state authorities, academics, the press, religious entities, civil society organizations and youth unite under the joint banner of climate action in Brazil. Through this multisectoral dynamic, the Alliance for Climate Action (ACA) seeks to promote collective action that results in a diversified climate agenda, reinforcing the view that joint solutions are essential to overcome the climate crisis.

The current climate emergency demands strong action from all actors in society, from governments to companies and individuals. ACA Brasil will be an important and necessary space to share knowledge, learn and act on reducing emissions and the impacts of climate change.

This coalition seeks to strengthen Brazil's position as an important global leader in the climate agenda. Despite being the sixth largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the world, the country has a great capacity to face the climate crisis due to its immense biodiversity and vast areas of tropical forest.

Faced with the lack of federal policies to deal with climate change, the ACA and the initiatives of state and municipal governments and companies from different sectors play a fundamental role in boosting the climate agenda in Brazil.

The ACA emerges as an essential alternative path for Brazil to fulfill the commitments established in the Paris Agreement. This becomes even more important considering that Brazil's recently revised Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) showed a reduction in the country's climate ambition, going in the opposite direction of what was agreed.

The coalition's launch comes at a time when more ambition and amplification of the voices of the country's main climate leaders are being sought. By highlighting the commitments and inspiring practices of subnational and non-state actors, the Brazilian climate agenda has a new opportunity to reach a new level of ambition that is equal to the challenge.

Under this premise, the Paris Agreement, established during the United Nations Conference on Climate Change in 2015, represents a significant milestone in the fight against climate change. Recognizing that climate change is a global issue that requires joint action, world leaders came together to develop an ambitious and comprehensive plan.

The main objective of the Paris Agreement is to limit the global temperature rise this century to 2 degrees Celsius, with efforts to limit the rise further to 1.5 degrees Celsius. To achieve this goal, all nations are called upon to substantially reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the Agreement stipulates that countries must periodically review their emission reduction commitments every five years, in order to increase ambition and keep pace with scientific advances.

A crucial aspect of the Paris Agreement is the provision of finance to developing countries. These resources are intended to help these nations mitigate climate change, strengthen their resilience and improve their capacities to adapt to climate impacts. This aims to ensure that the most vulnerable countries have access to the resources they need to face the challenges posed by climate change.

The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty, which entered into force in 2016. Currently, 194 Parties, including 193 States and the European Union, have acceded to the Agreement. These Parties are committed to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions and collaborating to achieve established goals.

The Paris Agreement establishes a mechanism for global cooperation and encourages collaboration between countries. He recognizes that the responsibility to fight climate change is shared by all and highlights the importance of global solidarity in this effort. In addition, the Agreement establishes a transparent monitoring and reporting system, ensuring accountability and tracking the progress achieved by each country in relation to its climate targets.

In addition to tackling the climate crisis, the Paris Agreement is also aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The effective implementation of the Agreement contributes to the achievement of the SDGs, promoting sustainable development that takes into account climate issues.

And therefore, it represents a collective commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to the impacts of climate change and build a sustainable future for present and future generations.

The Glasgow Climate Pact plays a crucial role in leading global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. It seeks to accelerate climate action and achieve the goals set out in the Paris Agreement through a number of key approaches.

One such approach is the reassessment and strengthening of emission reduction targets for 2030. The pact requires the countries involved to review and strengthen their targets, taking into account different national circumstances. While many countries have now updated their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) with more ambitious targets, there is still a significant gap between these targets and what is needed to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

In addition, the pact highlights the importance of aligning short-term goals with the transition to net zero emissions by mid-century. Many countries have set a goal of achieving net zero emissions within this period, but current targets are still not in line with these long-term strategies. Therefore, it is necessary to align NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions) with long-term climate strategies, seeking a just transition to achieve net zero emissions.

Another essential approach is to reinforce actions to reduce methane emissions and other relevant sectors. The pact encourages the largest emitters to review their 2030 commitments and identify opportunities for strengthening, including more ambitious targets to reduce methane emissions. Reducing methane is crucial as it is a potent greenhouse gas and can have a significant impact on tackling climate change.

International cooperation is also emphasized in the Glasgow Pact. Countries are encouraged to work together, exchange knowledge and best practices, and collaborate on initiatives that accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy. Global cooperation is essential to tackle the climate challenge effectively, as climate change knows no borders.

Finally, the pact highlights the importance of including the perspectives of sustainable development and climate justice. It is critical to approach the transition to net zero emissions fairly, considering different national circumstances. This implies ensuring that climate action also promotes sustainable development, reduces poverty and promotes equity among countries. Climate justice is an essential aspect of the fight against climate change.

Global Challenge: Decisive Action to Combat Climate Change

Tackling climate change is a global challenge that requires urgent and decisive action. In this context, voluntary purchases of carbon credits by non-state actors have the potential to support faster reductions in emissions and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, there is still no established system to define and ensure integrity standards both for the carbon credits themselves and for how non-state actors use them.

Currently, many non-state actors are involved in a voluntary carbon credit market where low prices and a lack of clear guidelines risk delaying short-term emission reductions needed to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. It is crucial to highlight that all global pathways that limit warming to 1.5°C, without exceeding that limit, require rapid and significant reductions in greenhouse gases across all sectors, as emphasized by the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report.

Work is ongoing to develop both supply-side and demand-side guidance in this context. The Voluntary Carbon Market Integrity Council (ICVCM) is working to establish a transparent, high integrity system that sets a standard for measuring and assigning carbon credits equivalent to greenhouse gas emissions. These credits must be claimed and address aspects such as additionality and permanence.

In addition, the Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative (VCMI) and SBTi guidelines are shaping the important work of incentivizing, recognizing and rewarding high integrity companies that purchase and retire carbon credits as part of their mitigation efforts. It is essential to establish a transparent and high integrity framework to ensure that these credits are only used once and that the non-state actor's mitigation efforts conform to the science.

Based on this context, some important recommendations emerge. Non-state actors must prioritize urgently and significantly reducing emissions across their entire value chain. While high integrity carbon credits in voluntary markets can be used beyond value chain mitigation, they cannot be considered as offsetting temporary emissions needed to reach a non-state actor's net zero target.

In addition, high integrity carbon credits can play an important role in financially supporting the decarbonisation of developing economies.

Net zero transition plans play a key role in meeting non-state actors' commitments in an equitable and fair manner, as well as building public trust. While it is impossible to accurately predict the path to 2050, the regularly updated transition plans offer concrete promise while highlighting the uncertainties, assumptions and obstacles involved. This is especially relevant for just transition-related commitments by non-state enterprises.

While a third of the world's largest publicly traded companies have already made net zero emissions commitments, only half of them demonstrate how these targets are incorporated into their corporate strategy. Most other companies have only announced net-zero emissions targets, and in some cases, only the intention to set such targets. This lack of clarity undermines the credibility of these commitments.

In addition to demonstrating credibility, transition plans provide non-state actors with a vital tool for implementing their net-zero pledges. These clear plans allow alignment with external stakeholders, identify priorities and challenge areas, and facilitate access to resources needed for the transition. Through transition plans, companies can engage and engage employees, suppliers, investors and other stakeholders, building a shared vision and driving concrete actions.

Furthermore, transition plans allow non-state actors to identify knowledge, technology and regulatory gaps, driving innovation and collaboration to overcome these challenges. These plans are also critical for monitoring and evaluating progress over time, allowing for adjustments and adaptations as needed to achieve established goals.

Net zero transition plans represent both a challenge and an opportunity for non-state actors.

According to estimates by the International Energy Agency (IEA), by the end of the decade, an annual investment of US$ 1 trillion will be needed in the energy transition to develop economies and reach the goal of net zero. Furthermore, it is estimated that between US$ 3 trillion to US$ 5 trillion annually is needed to meet the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

However, the most recent report by the IEA, entitled Global Energy Outlook, highlights significant shortcomings in clean energy investments, especially in emerging and developing economies. This lack of investment is particularly concerning given the projected rapid growth in demand for energy services in these countries.

The report highlights that, excluding China, the amount invested in clean energy annually in emerging and developing economies has been stable since the conclusion of the Paris Agreement in 2015. This stagnation in investments is an alarming sign, as these regions play a crucial role in the transition to a cleaner energy matrix and in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

To achieve the targets set out in the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals, it is essential to significantly increase investments in clean energy in these economies. This will require a renewed commitment on the part of governments, the private sector and financial institutions to mobilize resources and overcome barriers that impede the flow of investment.

In addition, it is essential that innovative financial mechanisms, favorable policies and incentives that attract investments for clean energy projects are implemented. International collaboration also plays a crucial role, with developed countries providing technical and financial assistance to emerging and developing economies in order to promote the energy transition more effectively.

By overcoming the lack of investment in clean energy in these regions, one can not only boost the transition to a low-carbon economy, but also promote sustainable development, creating jobs, reducing energy poverty and improving people's quality of life.

It is therefore essential that there is a significant increase in clean energy investments in emerging and developing economies in order to achieve global sustainability goals and ensure a more secure and sustainable future for all.

Government Actions to Reduce CO2 Emissions: Promoting Environmental Sustainability

The levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere reached a worrying mark, reaching the highest value of the last 3 million years.

CO2 is one of the main greenhouse gases responsible for global warming. The continuous increase of their concentrations in the atmosphere results in a greater trapping of heat, leading to an increase in the average temperature of the planet. This phenomenon, in turn, triggers a series of negative impacts, such as the accelerated melting of the polar ice caps, rising sea levels, extreme weather events and the loss of biodiversity.

The fact that CO2 levels have reached a level not seen in millions of years is a clear sign that urgent action is needed to reverse this worrying trend. The commitments set out in the Paris Agreement in 2015 aim to limit global warming to less than 2°C above pre-industrial levels, and ideally to 1.5°C.

To deal with this climate crisis, it is critical to take ambitious and comprehensive measures at global, national and individual levels. Governments must implement policies that encourage the transition to clean and sustainable energy sources by promoting energy efficiency, investing in low-carbon technologies and adopting sustainable agricultural practices.

Furthermore, it is crucial that companies take responsibility and reduce their carbon emissions by adopting more sustainable production and consumption practices. Individuals also play an important role, making conscious choices regarding energy consumption, transport and lifestyle, in addition to demanding more assertive actions by governments and companies.

It is necessary for governments to take action at national, state and municipal levels, with a view to reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. These measures may include implementing stricter government policies to control CO2 emissions, promoting and encouraging the use of renewable energies, encouraging more sustainable transportation alternatives and promoting less polluting vehicles.

In addition, it is important to encourage reforestation practices and reduce deforestation, seeking to avoid burning forests. The promotion of sustainable agriculture is also necessary, together with the reduction in the use of pesticides.

In the Brazilian context, one of the main current challenges is to contain the increase in fires, which contribute significantly to the emission of CO2 and other greenhouse gases. Effective measures to prevent and combat forest fires are essential to reduce CO2 emissions and preserve natural ecosystems.

Therefore, government actions aimed at reducing CO2 emissions are essential to face the challenges of climate change and ensure environmental sustainability. The implementation of adequate policies and the establishment of ambitious targets are essential to promote a transition to a low-carbon economy and mitigate the negative impacts of CO2 emissions.