Net zero targets
Summary
We evaluate Brail’s net zero target as: Target information incomplete.
Brazil ́s latest NDC update (April 2022) includes reference to a long-term objective to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, no further information is provided. As part of its updated NDC, Brazil set an indicative goal of reaching net-zero by 2050, conditional on the receipt of financial transfers. An assessment of the net zero target is not possible give that no details are presented in the NDC. The CAT evaluates Brail’s net zero target as “Target information incomplete”.
Some progress is reflected in a document prepared by the Ministry of Environment, as a roadmap or guidelines to be carbon neutral. There is also a proposed law No. 6539 already approved by the Senate in November 2021 and is under study by the Chamber of Deputies. In this new law, the goal of neutrality by 2050 is stated as an article. However, the ambiguity about the emissions included in the target, carbon dioxide or all greenhouse gas emissions, remains.
Brazil has not made any clarification as to whether the target includes all gases or only CO2, in terms of total gases including LULUCF, methane represents almost 30% of the national total. Methane emissions from agriculture is of relevance for the country.
CAT analysis of net zero target
Ten key elements
Scope
- Target year – Brazil aims to reach net zero by 2050.
- Emissions coverage – Brazil provides no information on the target’s emission coverage.
- International aviation and shipping – Brazil provides no information on its intention to cover international aviation and shipping.
- Reductions or removals outside of own borders – Brazil provides no information on its intention to use international offset credits to meet its net zero target.
Target architecture
- Legal status – As part of its first updated NDC submission in 2020, Brazil first set an indicative goal of reaching net zero by 2060 (Government of Brazil, 2020). President Jair Bolsonaro announced the target of reaching net zero by 2050 at the 2021 Leaders' Climate Summit in April 2021 (Spring & Paraguassu, 2021). Its latest NDC update (April 2022) also makes reference to climate neutrality by 2050. Brazil has not submitted an LTS as of June 2022. A proposed law No. 6539 already approved by the Senate in November 2021 is under study by the Chamber of Deputies. In this new law, the goal of neutrality by 2050 is stated as an article.
- Separate reduction & removal targets – Brazil provides no information on its intention to communicate separate emission reduction and removal targets.
- Review process – Brazil provides no information on its intention to establish a review cycle for its net zero and intermediate targets.
Transparency
- Carbon dioxide removal – Brazil provides no information on its intention to communicate transparent assumptions on carbon dioxide removals.
- Comprehensive planning – Brazil does not provide any underlying government or government endorsed pathways, nor does it specify measures and actions to achieve net zero.
- Clarity on fairness of target – Brazil provides no information on its intention to explain the target’s fairness.
Good practice
The Climate Action Tracker has defined the following good practice for all ten key elements of net zero targets. Countries can refer to this good practice to design or enhance their net zero targets.
Further analysis
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