CEBDS advances with Coalitions for the decarbonization of key sectors of the economy, and the Brazil Solutions initiative enhances matchmaking for sustainable projects and investments with an online platform.
On August 1st, we will be 100 days away from the 31st United Nations Conference, to be held in Antalya, Turkey, and the Brazilian business sector is mobilizing to present an agenda focused on implementing the transition to a low-carbon economy. The strategy is structured around three complementary fronts: sectoral decarbonization; connecting projects and financing; and support for Roadmaps, an action plan to guide governments in the energy transition, the gradual abandonment of fossil fuels, and the reduction of ongoing deforestation. The objective is to cooperate in fulfilling Brazil's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), which aims to reduce net emissions by between 59% and 67% by 2035, compared to 2005 levels.
Over the past year, the Brazilian Business Council for Sustainable Development (CEBDS) has made progress in internationalization and the second phase of the Decarbonization Coalitions in four essential sectors: Transportation, Agriculture, Energy, and Mining. The working groups brought together more than 270 organizations, including companies, associations, government representatives, and experts, in a pre-competitive environment to collaboratively build pathways for the decarbonization of each sector.
In the Transport Coalition, for example, the study identified three areas with the greatest potential for emissions reduction: expanding the share of railways and waterways in the logistics matrix, expanding the use of biofuels, and accelerating the electrification of the fleet. In Agriculture, the diagnosis indicates that it is possible to mitigate approximately 80% of the sector's emissions through initiatives such as no-till and cover cropping systems, integrated crop-livestock-forestry systems (ILPF), the expansion of high-vigor pastures (with high fertility and well-managed), and increased herd productivity.
Now, CEBDS is looking at ways to implement actions with the potential to reduce emissions by 70% by 2050 in the four sectors analyzed by the Coalitions. “We are structuring permanent governance, expanding the engagement of companies and institutions, creating advisory boards and an observatory of indicators that will allow us to monitor the evolution of sectoral agendas,” says Marina Grossi, president of CEBDS. The second stage also foresees the creation of a broader group of companies to accelerate two strategic fronts that are transversal to all sectors: biofuels and electrification.
During London Climate Action Week (LCAW), one of the main preparatory meetings for COP31, electrification gained prominence with the launch of the "35 by 35" goal, presented by the conference president, Murat Kurum. Based on a study by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the initiative proposes increasing the share of electricity in global final energy demand from the current 23% to 35% by 2035. At the event, CEBDS presented the experience of the Coalitions, including the Electricity Sector Coalition, to discuss how the methodology can inspire other countries through closer collaboration between the private sector, government, and society to transform climate goals into concrete actions.
From strategy to implementation: CEBDS works to support the Roadmaps
The logic of implementation also guides the evolution of Brazil Solutions. Launched last year as part of the COP30 Solutions Hub, the portfolio brings together 135 initiatives developed by 58 companies associated with CEBDS, organized into six strategic axes: forests, energy, industry, agriculture, infrastructure, and livestock. In May of this year, the project transformed into a permanent matchmaking platform—connecting business solutions to investors, climate funds, technical partners, and financing opportunities. Two of the cases have already identified that they meet 100% of the requirements of the Brazil Platform for Climate Investments and Ecological Transformation (BIP) and have begun the process to apply for funding.
The business agenda for COP31 also includes contributions to the implementation of the three Roadmaps currently underway: the Baku to Bethlehem roadmap to mobilize US$1.3 trillion annually in climate finance by 2035; the roadmap for energy transition and a gradual shift away from fossil fuels; and the roadmap to zero global deforestation by 2030.
In the case of the Baku to Bethlehem Roadmap, the expectation is that, by COP31, the Brazilian business sector will present a structured contribution with concrete proposals aligned with national priorities and capable of inspiring solutions on a global scale. With this objective, CEBDS, in partnership with Itaú and BCG, brought together representatives from the financial sector, companies, and civil society organizations to discuss how the Brazilian experience can strengthen the plan and expand the international flow of resources for climate action. Among the main challenges identified are the high cost of capital, the scarcity of fundable projects, and the need to expand risk mitigation mechanisms.
About CEBDS
The Brazilian Business Council for Sustainable Development (CEBDS) is a non-profit civil association that has been promoting sustainable development in Brazil since 1997, through engagement with governments and civil society, as well as disseminating the most current concepts and practices on the subject. As the voice of the business sector, CEBDS brings together more than 100 of the largest business groups in the country, and is also the Brazilian representative of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), which is present in 36 countries and has 200 member companies worldwide.
Press Office CEBDS – Approach Communication
cebds@approach.com.br
Adriane Constante – 21 97289-3956 I adriane.constante@approach.com.br
