Speech by the Vice President of the Republic, Geraldo Alckmin, representing President Lula at the high-level segment of COP29

Ladies and Gentlemen,

• The path and diplomatic efforts of the Climate Convention, which began in 1992 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, now bring us to Baku, Azerbaijan, for COP29. Each step along this path represents multilateralism’s progress and hesitations in achieving common environmental goals and our ability to rise to the challenges.
• The Baku Conference aims to define the new climate finance goal. This goal must be ambitious and limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
• Baku also includes the challenge of concluding the carbon market negotiations and guiding the path toward implementing the historic commitments reached at COP28, particularly regarding energy and forests.
• Brazil is recognized as an environmental power and a leader in food security. We harbor the world’s largest tropical rainforest, the cleanest energy matrix among major economies, and efficient and green agriculture. Above all, we are aware and committed to the fact that there can only be a future if it is sustainable.
• We are implementing a Climate Plan to guide Brazilian climate policy until 2035.
• We have also signed the Pact for Ecological Transformation —between the three branches of Brazil’s government— to whose implementation the support of civil society is essential.
• We need concrete measures at the necessary pace. I will have the honor of presenting Brazil's NDC at this COP29. Our goal reflects our highest ambition: to reduce emissions by up to 67% by 2035, compared to 2005. It is certainly ambitious but also feasible. To achieve this, however, we will need to work together to ensure the appropriate conditions and means of implementation.
• Our NDC is much more than just an emissions reduction target for 2035: it reflects the vision of a country that is looking to the future and determined to be a protagonist in the new global economy, with renewable energy, combating inequality, and alongside a commitment to sustainable development.
• The success of COP29 is a fundamental part of the success of COP30, which we will be proud to host in Belém, Brazil, but also of the global response to climate change. Failure to act now will cost us dearly in the future.
• On behalf of President Lula, I hope to see you next year in Brazil.