At COP29, Brazilian companies and organizations focus the debate on transformations

Margarete Coelho and Décio Lima, from Sebrae: the Brazilian delegation is the second largest at the COP in Baku, with a strong presence of business leaders and representatives from associations. (Leandro Fonseca/Exame)

With the second largest delegation in Baku, Brazil has representatives in debates in both the Blue and Green Zones. The focus is on transitions and encompasses businesses of all sizes.

The fight against climate change depends on the collective work of governments, society, and the private sector. Since the COP26 in Glasgow, we have seen a strong presence of the Brazilian private sector. In this 29th edition of the Climate Conference, in Azerbaijan, where the Brazilian delegation is the second largest, it has been no different. As the effects of climate change become more frequent, discussions need to move from theory to practice. It seems that many business leaders and representatives from associations are dedicated to promoting debates in panels happening in both the Green and Blue Zones.

“In Brazil, small businesses make up 99% of the economy, and we cannot talk about sustainability without including them,” explains Margarete Coelho, Director of Administration and Finance at Sebrae. In this regard, Coelho recognizes that small businesses may have difficulty accessing information and best practices, and with this in mind, Sebrae created the “Sebrae ESG Seal” using ABNT methodology, as well as an educational platform that offers a sustainability track. Décio Lima, President of Sebrae, adds that “the sustainability agenda is irreversible, and we need to provide the tools to educate the world on this issue.”

However, despite the relevance of small and medium-sized businesses, large businesses need to show and pave the way. For Davi Bomtempo, Superintendent of Environment and Sustainability at CNI, the Brazilian industry plays a key role in the transition to a greener economy, and this process is based on four pillars. The first is energy transition, with efficiency projects and programs, and an agenda open to new technologies such as green hydrogen and carbon capture. The second is the regulated carbon market, and the third is circular economy. Lastly, forest conservation opens up opportunities for the private sector to work on bioeconomy.

Rafael Tello, Vice President of Sustainability at Ambipar Group, explained the challenges of the circular economy that, if overcome, have a significant impact on combating climate change. According to studies by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, adopting a circular economy has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by around 40%, due to less material production and better waste treatment. This opportunity led to a natural repositioning of Ambipar, from a waste management company to a circular economy business model.

Where transformations take place

The transformation from a linear economy to a circular economy involves the joint work of many stakeholders, from educating businesses and the public about proper waste disposal, to working with waste picker cooperatives and the government. In these last two cases, Tello speaks about the importance of scaling up and fairly compensating cooperatives, as well as finding a way of taxation that encourages circularity, not just the correct disposal of waste.

Adaptation and climate justice agendas are gaining more space at COP, and were discussed by Edison Carlos, President of the Aegea Institute. “We need to prepare our infrastructure for extreme climate events, which will become more frequent,” explains Edison, citing flooding in Rio Grande do Sul and drought in Manaus, areas where Aegea operates.

In Rio Grande do Sul, Corsan-Aegea resumed water supply in record time in 67 municipalities, and in Manaus, worked to ensure the city did not run out of water despite the drought. “Now, we want to share our learnings with other companies and make all our infrastructure more resilient. Extreme events affect everyone, but the poorest are the most affected and the ones with the hardest time recovering after these events. We need to look after this population,” explains Edison.

Regarding economically vulnerable populations, Edison explained the impact of the saniation sector. “When we provide treated water and access to sewage systems, we immediately see improvements in community health. Children get sick less often, and women no longer need to fetch water, so school dropout decreases, and women have time to work. This has a significant impact on family income and education.”

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