“"The time has come for us to unite for a leading role for Brazil in climate action."”

Under this motto, it was officially launched... Alliance for Climate Action – ACA Brazil, in a virtual event held on January 28th that brought together researchers, scientists, governors, mayors, and representatives from private, student, religious, and third-sector organizations. 

According to ACA Brazil's declaration text, The social and economic future of the planet is directly connected to how we collectively address climate change. "Given the urgency of action to curb this climate change, we propose an alliance between state and municipal governments, the media, universities, civil society, businesses, investors, religious institutions, health institutions, and other non-governmental organizations, thus forming the Alliance for Climate Action Brazil."“

The alliance's Board of Directors is formed by ICLEI South America in partnership with... WWF-Brazil, the Brazil Center on Climate, the CDP Latin America and the Climate and Society Institute. To date, more than 40 subnational governments, organizations, and entities have joined ACA Brazil, assuming the responsibility of honoring the commitments made by Brazil in the Paris Agreement. Check out the updated list of all ACA Brazil signatories.

According to Rodrigo Perpétuo, Executive Secretary of ICLEI South America, climate change is a very complex issue that affects us globally, but it must be discussed locally to achieve concrete progress. “ICLEI South America strengthens its mission and sense of responsibility by being part of the Board of Directors of ACA Brazil, a climate alliance born with the necessary ambition to reposition Brazil in climate discussions, regaining the leadership position the country has always held. Only an alliance between diverse global, national, and local entities and actors, as proposed by ACA Brazil, can generate progress and positive results so that the country can move closer to the goals set by the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals.”

The event's moderator, biologist Daniela Lerário, Brazil Leader of the COP26 Climate Champions team, emphasized that ACA Brazil's commitment is to humanity and the planet, placing life at the center of discussions. "Collaborative climate action recognizes that all of society must assume its role, taking a leading role in this process." Economic recovery must take into account all political and health challenges, highlighting the importance of climate action and raising ambitions for building a new country: more just, resilient and equitable, based on people and serving a low-carbon economy.”

The role of subnational entities

The governor of Pernambuco, Paulo Câmara, stated that, as the climate crisis deepens, it is necessary to undertake actions at a more accelerated pace. "In this time of pandemic, the international scientific community has reinforced the need for greater ambition from governments regarding the climate crisis."“

For him, subnational governments have a strategic role in the climate agenda, providing capillarity and ensuring that it reaches the largest number of people. "We believe that ACA Brazil, which the Pernambuco government is proud to be a signatory to, comes to strengthen this movement, capable of catalyzing a necessary change for the development of a low-carbon, resilient, and inclusive society."“

The state of Espírito Santo (ES) has also joined ACA Brasil.“We have a lot to do on this issue, which is global and requires very strong coordination. Here in Espírito Santo, a 2010 law created the Espírito Santo Forum on Climate Change, involving people from society and academia to discuss the topic, and we will also build a state climate change plan that involves adaptation and mitigation in various actions,” said Renato Casagrande, the state governor.

Casagrande emphasized the importance of states and municipalities working together with Brazilian society to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. "Only this kind of coordination will allow us to work and encourage other states to develop their own climate change programs."“

The Secretary of the Environment of the Federal District, José Sarney Filho, points to the need for subnational entities to assume their responsibility, encouraging social participation and taking scientific knowledge into account. Meanwhile, Marcos Penido, Secretary of Infrastructure and Environment of the State of São Paulo, defined São Paulo's climate agenda as "ambitious and realistic." "São Paulo recognizes its role as a strong driver of change on a national scale. We will intensify our efforts to ensure that climate laws are enforced, increasing Brazil's contribution to the Paris Agreement."“

Municipal leaders

Municipal leaders also participated in the launch of ACA Brazil. Edinho Araújo, mayor of São José do Rio Preto, recalled that the city, in addition to already being a signatory of the ACA, is also part of the... Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy. "Today, mayors need to have this global vision. It is with great joy that Rio Preto is part of this new agenda in favor of our climate."“

The mayor of Aracaju, capital of Sergipe, Edvaldo Nogueira, observed that cities are simultaneously humanity's greatest invention and the place where the greatest destruction of nature has been perpetrated. “I consider the participation of municipalities in this alliance very important, because the 21st century is the century of cities, which are gaining significant prominence on the global stage. Crises in cities demand creativity from mayors in finding solutions. Therefore, cities have a very important role in the climate agenda.”

Non-state actors

Leaders from the private and third sectors also attended the launch of ACA Brasil. Luiza Trajano, president of the board of directors of Magazine Luiza and of Women of Brazil Group, He pointed out that the retail sector generates a lot of gas emissions. "We are measuring this impact and looking for ways to reduce it. By the end of 2021, we will have 500 stores with 100% of solar energy," he stated.

For Marcírio de Lemos, from the national executive coordination of ASA (Articulation of the Brazilian Semi-Arid Region), "More than ever, civil society actors need to be close, and initiatives like ACA Brasil bring us closer together through shared interests."“

Coordinator of Evangelical Front for the Rule of Law, Pastor Ariovaldo Ramos also participated in the launch. “What does a religious organization have to do with the fight for the environment? It is important that all producers of awareness have a commitment to humanity and the planet, and that is what the evangelical front has been doing. It is our role to promote the fight for the environment and the preservation of life.”

Young leaders also participate in ACA Brazil, as they are responsible for present and future actions aimed at growth in harmony with the environment and social justice. The event has concluded. with a video compiling testimonials from youth representatives across Brazil and with the reading of the current signatories.

Paris Agreement

The importance of strengthening the Paris Agreement was highlighted by Gonzalo Muñoz, High-Level Champion of COP25. In his view, the agreement was unprecedented in bringing together a number of actors who recognize that they have a  A fundamental role in implementing the actions necessary for the climate agenda. "Beyond fulfilling this agreement, we need to increase climate ambition, because the situation today is dramatic. Therefore, the opportunities for action are enormous."“

Muñoz also believes that post-pandemic city recovery plans should be greener and more sustainable, including climate action. “To accelerate this action, alliances like ACA Brazil are fundamental. We no longer have time for empty promises. Those who don't join in are declaring themselves comfortable with being responsible for the problem.”

Suzana Kahn, vice-director of COPPE-UFRJ, [The author] celebrates the growing involvement of new actors in the climate agenda. “At the beginning of the climate discussion, this agenda was basically driven by national governments and academia. When we see an alliance being formed, it is very timely, because each of the actors has an extremely important role in this agenda. It is essential that each one recognizes the relevance and role of the other in this journey,” he concludes. 

Watch the full launch of ACA Brasil.