Good morning! Today, we talk about how Brazil’s climate goals could be better. The power of religion in the election campaign. And Bolsonaro’s latest dig on Lula.
☕ If you like our work and want to give us an extra boost, you can fill up our reporters’ coffee mugs. Supporters get exclusive perks! Find out more.
Brazil’s methane pledge doesn’t cut it
Brazil could reduce its methane emissions by 36 percent by the end of the decade (in comparison to 2020 levels) just by furthering already-existing climate policies on energy, agriculture, waste management, and deforestation control. The findings come from a new report by NGO Observatório do Clima published on Monday.
Remember. During the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow last year, Brazil caved to international pressure and reluctantly signed the Global Methane Pledge — which aims to cut methane emissions by 30 percent worldwide until 2030.
- But the new findings show that the country could be much bolder.
Why it matters. Methane has more than 80 times the warming power of carbon dioxide in the first 20 years after it reaches the atmosphere. Even though CO2 has a longer-lasting effect, methane sets the pace for warming in the short term.
- ...