Governador do Pará fala à CNN sobre próxima COP30 em Belém | CNN NOVO DIA

Summary

At COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, Governor Élder Barbalho of Pará, Brazil, discusses the importance of carbon markets and forest preservation for economic growth. He highlights Pará's success in carbon credit trading, generating significant revenue for local communities. Barbalho emphasizes that forest conservation can create a new green economy, where preserved forests are more valuable than deforested land. He also addresses global challenges, including the potential impact of U.S. policy shifts under President Donald Trump and the need for increased financial commitments from wealthy nations to support climate action.

Takeaways

• 😀 The COP29 conference is taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan, where discussions are ongoing about climate change and the future of environmental policies.
• 😀 Governor Elder Barbalho of Pará highlighted the importance of carbon markets, stating that they offer a way to create new economic opportunities by leveraging the Amazon's ability to capture carbon.
• 😀 Pará state recently secured a significant financial commitment of 1 billion BRL through carbon credit sales, which will be distributed to indigenous communities, quilombolas, and family farmers.
• 😀 The state is focusing on restoring public land that was previously illegally occupied, aiming to replant forests and create a sustainable carbon management model.
• 😀 Governor Barbalho emphasized the growing role of private companies in funding climate solutions, such as the major carbon credit purchase by companies like Bayer and Walmart.
• 😀 The impact of the U.S. election, particularly the uncertainty around President Trump's policies, may influence global climate negotiations. However, the Governor stressed that governments and private companies must still prioritize climate action.
• 😀 The global shift towards carbon markets and reducing emissions is an essential strategy for both the environment and economic development, especially for countries like Brazil with vast rainforests.
• 😀 Governor Barbalho shared that the Pará state’s participation in New York’s Climate Week set a precedent, with the state achieving the largest carbon credit transaction by a subnational entity.
• 😀 The upcoming COP30 in Belém will focus on fulfilling the financial and emission reduction commitments established at COP21 in Paris, with particular attention to the financing of climate actions from developed countries to emerging economies.
• 😀 One of the key challenges for the next climate discussions will be increasing financial commitments, with a goal to move from annual funding of 100 billion dollars to 100 trillion dollars, while ensuring that the original targets are met.

Q & A

What is the main focus of COP29, and where is it taking place?

COP29 is focused on climate change, and it is being held in Baku, Azerbaijan. It is an important event in the lead-up to COP30, which will take place in Belém, Brazil, next year.

What are the key expectations for the Pará Governor at COP29?

The key expectations for the Governor of Pará, Elder Barbalho, at COP29 include announcing new agreements related to carbon credits, the restoration of forests, and creating new economic opportunities by integrating the Amazon rainforest into global climate finance.

How is Pará State contributing to the global climate goals?

Pará State is contributing to global climate goals by leading the world’s largest subnational carbon credit sale. The state generated over one billion reais through this transaction, which will fund various local initiatives, including supporting indigenous peoples, rural communities, and agricultural families.

What is the significance of carbon markets in Pará’s environmental strategy?

Carbon markets are central to Pará's environmental strategy, as they enable the monetization of the Amazon's carbon capture. By selling carbon credits, Pará creates a new economic model that incentivizes forest preservation and reduces deforestation.

What is the role of the private sector in supporting climate goals, according to the Governor?

The private sector plays a significant role in supporting climate goals by actively participating in carbon markets and taking responsibility for reducing their emissions. Companies like Bayer and Walmart have already made significant purchases of Pará’s carbon credits, demonstrating that businesses are leading the way in environmental sustainability.

How does the Governor view the potential absence of the U.S. from climate negotiations?

The Governor acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding the U.S. government’s role in climate negotiations due to the recent election. However, he emphasizes that global efforts should not be solely dependent on U.S. policies, as both public and private sectors worldwide must collaborate to meet climate goals.

What is the role of financial mechanisms like carbon credits in addressing climate change?

Financial mechanisms, such as carbon credits, play a crucial role in addressing climate change by providing financial incentives to preserve and restore forests. These mechanisms allow countries like Brazil to profit from their natural resources while contributing to global efforts to neutralize carbon emissions.

How does the Governor view the relationship between forest preservation and economic development?

The Governor believes that forest preservation can be a driver of economic development. By capturing carbon and generating carbon credits, forests can become valuable assets, promoting sustainability while benefiting local economies, farmers, and indigenous communities.

What is the Governor’s perspective on the financial commitments made at past COPs?

The Governor stresses the need to evaluate whether the financial commitments made in previous COPs, particularly the $100 billion annual target for climate financing, have been met. He also advocates for an increase in funding, aiming for a goal of $100 trillion annually to address climate change effectively.

How does Pará's experience with carbon credits impact future climate negotiations?

Pará's success in carbon credit sales shows that countries like Brazil, with vast natural resources like the Amazon rainforest, can leverage these assets to generate significant funding for environmental conservation. This experience is crucial for future climate negotiations, particularly in ensuring that financial resources flow to countries with key ecosystems.