The role of the business sector and Brazil in the face of environmental issues permeated discussions over three days of events
The 10th edition of the Sustainable Congress, held by the Brazilian Business Council for Sustainable Development (CEBDS), ended yesterday. Over the course of three days, the event had more than 6,400 participants and addressed very important topics about the Amazon and the Brazilian agenda until 2050, in the search for a more just, resilient and sustainable society, always with renowned speakers, addressing fundamental issues for COPS 15, on biodiversity, and 26, on climate.
One of the main debates was about the Amazon, which had five panels throughout the first day. The discussions highlighted the importance of convergence between the business sector and the biome, keeping the forest standing, and how companies contribute to the global biodiversity goals set at COP15. More than 20 experts took turns on the three days of debates. Among them were representatives from the most diverse sectors of society, including Carlos Ayres Britto, former minister of the Federal Supreme Court (STF), and former Minister of the Environment, Izabella Teixeira.
“For the first time, humanity is facing three serious crises that feed off each other: the health crisis worsened by social inequality, the climate emergency and the loss of biodiversity. These risks have been having a strong impact on the agenda and positioning of companies and investors who have reaffirmed the need to decarbonize their asset portfolios,” said Maria Grossi, president of CEBDS during the opening, reinforcing that if we were to end deforestation in the Amazon, Brazil would achieve 80% of its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The debates were unanimous regarding the importance of the biome, the leading role that Brazil should assume in the face of environmental issues, and the advances and challenges seen in recent years, but which can be reversed, as shown by Adnan Demachki, lawyer and former mayor of Paragominas, who managed for eight years, managing to remove the municipality from the “Deforestation Black List” of the Ministry of the Environment, transforming it into an example that started the Green Municipalities program.
“Brazil needs to prioritize the Amazon. We need a larger project at the central level,” he warned.
Another important topic was Food Systems, which gained great attention on the second day of the event. Lúcio Vicente, sustainability director of the Carrefour chain, showed how the company is investing in food safety, starting with the meat sold by the group, today with 100% of supplier traceability, from the birth of the animal, right up until the moment it is cut.
Diane Holdorf, executive director of the Food & Nature program (WBCSD), also highlighted the need for a shared vision of the future. “We must have action, with challenges for nature emergencies adjusted to the needs of society. The transformation must happen in partnership with other stakeholders,” she explained.
The theme Climate Ambition was also present: “The campaignRace to Zero´, aims to eliminate net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050”, explained Tânia Cosentino, CEO of Microsoft Brazil.
There were also discussions on ocean health and task force recommendations for financial disclosures related to climate risks.
“It is time to definitively implement these changes,” warns Denise Pavarina, vice-chair of the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), which reinforced support for the private sector in implementing sustainable financial management.
Many companies now know that production and preservation are not antagonistic. For Brazil to make progress in combating deforestation and become a leader in the application of nature-based solutions, it is necessary to join forces.
“We need to show that economic development can be achieved with standing forests,” commented Fernando Sampaio, executive director of the Produce, Conserve and Include Strategy of the State of Mato Grosso.
Regenerative, inclusive and resilient businesses were also part of the agenda, concluding that the business sector is leading a behavioral change towards more responsible use of resources, and it is up to the public authorities to define clear standards and guidelines in the bidding processes for the services provided.
On the last day, one of the main points was ESG. João Paulo Ferreira, president of Natura, warned that companies that are negligent with their carbon emissions could be considered uncivilized within a few years. Guilherme Karam, manager of Biodiversity Economics at Fundação Grupo Boticário, warned that companies that fail to take inclusive measures regarding social and environmental factors will not survive in the market.
At the end of the event, the conclusion that the time to act has come was clear. On the eve of the COPs on biodiversity and climate, it is time to join forces to build a more sustainable economy that will allow Brazil and the world to meet the agreed goals, especially the containment of climate change.
The 2021 Sustainable Congress is sponsored by JBS, Banco Bradesco, Banco Itaú, Banco Santander, Carrefour, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Braskem, DSM, Equinor, Lwart Soluções Ambientais, Moore Foundation, Siemens Energy, Vale and We Mean Business Coalition.
