Brazil has the potential to lead the global carbon offset market due to its vast rainforest, but its aspirations are lagging as regulation to create this market awaits congressional approval. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's administration presented legislation in Congress in late August that will create a regulated carbon market, establish a cap-and-trade system for sectors with high emissions, and requirements for carbon reduction projects. The draft bill is now waiting for a vote.
Approved carbon regulation will allow Brazil to become a leader in the carbon economy by helping other countries offset their carbon emissions with projects in the country. Former Brazilian energy and logistics conglomerate Cosan CEO Luis Henrique Guimaraes emphasized the need for a regulation that incentivizes investors rather than punishes them. A robust carbon market will also help lower the cost of Brazil's energy transition. The EU's Green Deal and the US' Inflation Reduction Act are aimed at attracting investment in clean energies through subsidies, but Brazil's state coffers cannot compete with these countries. An ambitious and clear energy transition plan is required to mobilize financing, and partnerships with other countries are also important.
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