Brazil-United Kingdom Joint Statement on International Climate Action

Brazil-United Kingdom Joint Statement on International Climate Action

The governments of Brazil and the United Kingdom have forged a robust partnership to tackle the global climate crisis through collaborative action and shared commitments. In a recent joint statement, the nations reaffirmed their leadership in driving sustainable development, reversing environmental degradation, and enabling just energy transitions to a net-zero future.

Climate Change Cooperation

At the heart of this Brazil-UK alliance lies a shared recognition of the urgency to address the climate emergency. Both countries have pledged to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, in alignment with the goals of the Paris Agreement. ​To this end, they have committed to publishing ambitious, economy-wide Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) that represent their highest possible ambition well ahead of the 2025 deadline.

Brazil-UK Partnership

The Brazil-UK Partnership on Green and Inclusive Growth provides the framework for deepening bilateral cooperation across five key pillars: climate, forests, agriculture, energy, and finance. This comprehensive approach acknowledges the interconnected nature of the sustainability challenges facing both nations. The partners have agreed to reinforce this partnership and establish a Bilateral Strategic Dialogue on Climate to further advance their joint agenda.

Shared Climate Commitments

Both countries recognize the critical role of the upcoming COP30 conference, which will be hosted by Brazil in its capacity as the 2024 G20 President. They have pledged to enhance collaboration and share experiences in the lead-up to this pivotal event, drawing on the UK’s learnings from hosting COP26. Notably, the partners have committed to aligning their NDCs, Net Zero commitments, National Adaptation Plans, and National Biodiversity Strategies to ensure a holistic and coherent approach to climate action.

Multilateral Climate Initiatives

Beyond their bilateral efforts, Brazil and the UK are committed to driving progress within multilateral fora. They have expressed their intention to work through various international platforms, including the three Rio Conventions, to support forest protection and restoration. Furthermore, the partners will leverage the G20 Energy Transitions Working Group and the Task Force for Global Mobilization against Climate Change to scale up investment in clean energy technologies and infrastructure.

Renewable Energy Transition

Achieving a just and inclusive energy transition is a central tenet of the Brazil-UK collaboration. Both countries have emphasized the urgency of phasing out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies and aligning finance flows with 1.5°C pathways and climate-resilient development.

Clean Energy Investments

To this end, the partners have pledged to de-risk and diversify investment in clean energy solutions, including hydrogen, solar, wind, and other breakthrough technologies. They have agreed to work together to mobilize public and private capital, both domestically and internationally, to drive the energy transition and support the development of sustainable infrastructure.

Sustainable Infrastructure

The ministers have also welcomed the progress made on international tax coordination through the G20 Finance Track, recognizing its potential to unlock additional resources for building climate resilience. Furthermore, the UK has expressed its intention to support Brazil’s Country Platform, including through the existing UK-Brazil Industry Decarbonization and Hydrogen Hubs initiatives.

Green Technology Collaboration

Underpinning these efforts is a commitment to enhance collaboration on innovative green technologies. The partners have agreed to explore opportunities for joint research, development, and deployment of cutting-edge solutions to accelerate the clean energy transition and enable a sustainable, low-emission future.

Deforestation and Land Use

The Brazil-UK partnership places a strong emphasis on addressing deforestation, particularly in the Amazon region, and promoting sustainable land-use practices. Both countries have reaffirmed their dedication to the goal of halting and reversing global forest loss by 2030.

Amazon Conservation

Minister Silva of Brazil has emphasized the importance of responding to the needs and voices of forest countries, calling for increased funding and the valuation of ecosystem services to support the conservation, restoration, and sustainable management of forests. The UK has committed to deepen its collaboration with Brazil in tackling deforestation, both domestically and globally.

Sustainable Agriculture

The partners have recognized the work carried out under the G20 Initiative on Bioeconomy, which aims to advance an economic model based on the sustainable use of biological resources. They have also underscored the need for a basket of instruments, including results-based payments and high-integrity carbon and nature markets, to finance forest conservation and restoration.

Emissions Reduction Strategies

Alongside these efforts, Brazil and the UK have agreed to develop innovative financial instruments, such as Brazil’s proposed Tropical Forests Finance Facility, to support the protection of standing forests. They have also pledged to deepen their cooperation in promoting the interests and rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, who are recognized as the most important stewards of the world’s forests.

Climate Adaptation and Resilience

Recognizing the importance of building resilience to the impacts of climate change, the Brazil-UK partnership has also emphasized the need for enhanced international cooperation on adaptation and disaster risk management.

Disaster Risk Management

The partners have committed to working together and with other countries to help the world’s most vulnerable communities adapt to climate impacts. This includes scaling up finance and private investment for both mitigation and adaptation measures, as well as supporting capacity-building initiatives to strengthen the ability of developing countries to take effective climate action.

Community-based Adaptation

The ministers have also underlined the need to develop and deploy climate-smart solutions that address the specific needs and challenges faced by local communities. This community-based approach to adaptation and resilience-building is seen as crucial for ensuring a just and inclusive transition to a sustainable future.

Climate-smart Solutions

Through their joint statement, Brazil and the UK have reaffirmed their commitment to working together and with all parties to deliver on shared global climate commitments. As the world continues to grapple with the escalating climate crisis, this strategic partnership stands as a shining example of international cooperation and leadership in the fight against climate change.

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn