Brazil to launch vehicle fleet replacement program
Home to a fleet of over 460 thousand vehicles 20 or more years old, Brazil is faced with the environmental challenge of withdrawing these automobiles and slashing carbon emissions. To this end, the Brazilian government is devising a program with incentives for the exchange of heavy vehicles, to be unveiled in the coming days, Environment Minister Joaquim Leite announced Tuesday (Apr. 5) on A Voz do Brasil, broadcast by the country’s public radio network.
“It’s a program to encourage truck drivers to trade their vehicles for new ones, which will certainly save fuel and curb the emission of pollutants,” he argued.
The minister went on to note the country has gained international prominence by offering carbon credits and quickly adapting to sustainable and renewable energy models.
Regarding his recent participation in the environmental meeting of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)—which Brazil plans to join—Minister Leite declared the authorities are committed to taking an active role in the global green market and to offering sustainable solutions to partners.
“The great global challenge today is renewable energy. Brazil had a chance to attend this meeting and present policies the government has been developing—like bio-methane, renewable energy, and green hydrogen,” he added.
Dumps
Concerning solid waste, the minister updated the number of landfills that have had their activities halted under its dedicated Lixão Zero program, which aims to bring an end to accumulating solid waste in landfills.
“It’s an initiative that has shown good results. A total of 647 dumpsites have been shut down. It’s a priority, and we're on the right track seeking to eliminate open-air dumps in Brazil.”
