Nature-Based Solutions Are Critical for Putting Brazil on Track Towards Net Zero

Abstract

Over 130 countries have committed to reaching net-zero CO2 or GHG emissions by 2050, yet this ambition is rarely underpinned by robust policies. By applying a detailed integrated assessment modelling approach for Brazil, we assess, for the first time, the extent to which the existing and planned local policies could put Brazil on the path to its net zero pledge. This includes quantifying the role of nature-based solutions, such as protection and restoration, and engineered solutions, such as bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS). We show protection is the single most important climate mitigation measure at relatively low costs, whereas relying heavily on engineered solutions would jeopardise Brazil’s chances of achieving its net zero pledge. We also show that the mismatch between Brazil's short- and long-term climate targets reflects current weak environmental governance. Our analysis reinforces the urgent need for Brazil to eliminate illegal deforestation and go beyond to help fight climate change whilst curbing biodiversity loss.

Towards integration? Considering social aspects with large-scale computational models for nature-based solutions

“…There is a need for more regional and national participation and engagement of actors across the countries that the models represent. To address this need, some national collaborators and users of global models, such as GLOBIOM, have begun to develop regional model versions that can incorporate more country-level data and provide more granular results (Ren et al, 2023; Soterroni et al, 2023).…”