Climate crisis: Agribusiness positions itself as part of solution
A document released Monday (Aug. 11) by the Brazilian Agribusiness Association (Abag) states that the sector aims to position itself at the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) as a “fundamental part” of the solution to the climate crisis. The event, which gathers countries worldwide, will take place in November in Belém, Pará state.
“Brazilian agribusiness plays a crucial role in this global agenda, especially concerning COP30. While particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, the agricultural production chain is positioned as a fundamental part of the solution, with great potential to mitigate emissions and promote food security,” states the text entitled Agribusiness Facing Climate Change: Sector Positioning for COP30.
According to the document, for agribusiness to truly contribute to solutions, it is essential to implement innovative agricultural practices adapted to Brazil’s tropical reality, such as efficient use of natural resources, cultivating climate-stress-tolerant varieties, and sustainable soil management.
The text also states that, to enable these practices, it is essential to unlock financing for the sector “through objective and transparent criteria that encourage the adoption of sustainable technologies and practices.”
Carbon Market
The document also says that it is crucial to “tropicalize” carbon market metrics and methodologies, adapting them to Brazil’s reality while ensuring the international credibility of Brazilian projects.
“COP30 represents a unique opportunity for Brazil to position itself as a global leader in low-carbon agriculture, demonstrating to the world its potential to generate integrity credits and attract investment to the sector. To achieve this goal, it is essential that the country present concrete results in regulations, technologies, methodologies, and registration systems - ready to be debated and recognized internationally,” the document says.
Agribusiness faces criticism
Reports published by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) have criticized Brazil’s agribusiness model.
Among the main criticisms are large-scale production, which has driven greenhouse gas emissions and reduced biodiversity; methane emissions from livestock farming; and deforestation.
The IPCC also points out that agricultural adaptations - such as intensive irrigation - can negatively affect biodiversity, water availability, cause soil salinization, and lead to loss of livelihoods, especially for small producers.
