Representatives from the Climate Action Institute participated in the plenary session of the Participatory Climate Plan on the Atlantic Forest , held in São Paulo on August 15, 2024. This is an initiative by the Brazilian government that seeks to involve different sectors of society in the construction of public policies aimed at tackling the climate crisis. One of the main objectives of this plan is to integrate the contributions of local communities, social movements, NGOs, academics, experts and other actors to develop more effective and inclusive climate strategies. To this end, participatory plenary sessions are being organized in each region of the Brazilian biomes, focusing on the environmental, economic and social particularities of a specific biome in Brazil, such as the Amazon, the Cerrado, the Atlantic Forest, allowing the discussion about climate policies to be adapted to the different realities of the country.
Given the popular participation nature of the Plan’s development, any citizen can submit proposals contributing to the development of public policies aimed at mitigating and adapting to climate change. During the event, several institutions and civil society organizations presented and defended their proposals. The Central Única dos Trabalhadores (CUT) proposed the implementation of a Public-Community Interest Employment Program in territories affected by socio-environmental impacts. The Rede Desajuste suggested taxing the super-rich at 2% to finance the ecological transition and climate justice in Brazil.
The proposals presented at the plenary session included the goal of replacing 35% of animal products by 2025 and the defense of zero deforestation in the Atlantic Forest, with concerns about new military installations in sensitive areas. Measures to promote access by small rural producers to the carbon market were also discussed, in addition to nature-based solutions. There were also suggestions to veto the installation of hydroelectric plants in certain regions, the creation of financing mechanisms for climate adaptation based on traditional knowledge and the strengthening of mental health for victims of climate tragedies.
The plenary sessions of the Participatory Climate Plan will generate proposals that can be incorporated into the initial document that will be presented by President Lula at COP 29, in November, in Azerbaijan. The result of the process of constructing the National Policy on Climate Change will be presented in November 2025, during COP 30, in Belém do Pará.
The plenary session was attended by important figures, such as Ministers Paulo Teixeira (Agrarian Development and Family Farming), Silvio Almeida (Human Rights and Citizenship) and Marina Silva (Environment); the Secretary-General of the Presidency of the Republic, Márcio Macêdo; the Executive Secretary for Climate Change of the City of São Paulo, José Renato Nalini; the Regional Director of SESC, Luiz Deoclécio Massaro Galina; and the Vice President of Business of Banco do Brasil, José Ricardo Sasseron. During the event, Minister Silvio de Almeida highlighted that “participation in the plenary sessions is an opportunity to invite and encourage the inclusion of the human rights and environmental agenda in this existential unity.”
The Climate Action Institute followed the discussions and submitted its own proposals. The institution welcomes the open discussions and understands the challenges of conducting an effective participatory process, but expresses concern about the lack of specific proposals on key issues of climate justice, as well as the lack of effective participation in the Climate Plan, due to the need for an internet connection to identify and vote on proposals, highlighting the importance of ensuring greater inclusion and accessibility to the process. Another concern is the 500-character limit per proposal, which prevents in-depth discussion and the inclusion of technical support in the proposals. The Institute also points out the need for a more comprehensive presentation of the government's actions on the Climate Plan, including clear indicators and goals for monitoring the National Adaptation Plan, in addition to ensuring the possibility of public input.
To address the thematic gaps, the Institute presented the following proposals:
Creation of an interdisciplinary committee, with representation from black, social, environmental movements and traditional communities, to develop policies to address climate justice, considering the different climate impacts due to factors such as race, gender, and social status. Also, develop a climate justice monitoring platform, based on the EPA's EJScreen (USA), to map economic and racial profiles and the location of GHG emissions, disasters and access to public services.
Creation of a Working Group within the Interministerial Climate Committee (CIM) with the participation of scientists and civil society representatives to identify, minimize and repair losses and damages resulting from climate disasters and slow-moving events, such as sea level rise. Also, creation of a focal point within the CIM to integrate measures from different ministries, including climate forecasts, civil defense measures, adaptation, response and repair.
Creation of a Working Group within the Interministerial Climate Committee to develop policies and protocols regarding human mobility resulting from climate change, to support those who are forcibly displaced and to guide planned relocation to reduce risks, when there is no alternative, in a participatory manner, that considers cultures and ways of life, and free, prior and informed consultation. These policies should be aligned with the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration and the guidelines of the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Be sure to follow and participate in the Climate Plan by accessing the official website and voting on the proposals.