Companies, scientists, and civil society organizations discuss challenges and opportunities for Brazil at international event
Forest restoration has the potential to generate more than 2.5 million jobs and $1.4 trillion per year for agricultural production, according to UN studies. It can also decarbonize the atmosphere and mitigate the effects of the climate crisis. The potential of this activity for Brazil will be discussed by members of Brazilian society and the private sector in a panel at Climate Week in New York on September 19.
Titled “The Business Case for Nature,” the panel aims to highlight Brazil’s role as a key player in addressing the climate crisis. The country holds 20% of global opportunities in nature-based solutions, with a significant involvement in restoration, soil management, and agriculture, and 58.5% of its territory covered by forests.
Restoration can create a virtuous economic, social, and environmental cycle for the country. In addition to employment and income, it can promote economic growth, preserve and strengthen ecosystem services and biodiversity, contribute to climate regulation, and improve water quality and soil conservation.
It is also possible to establish fair trade in Brazilian sociobiodiversity products, such as fruits like açaí, pitanga, among others, which have enormous potential for use in food and in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.
“We need to foster dialogue between the private sector, civil society organizations, and governments to drive the global restoration agenda. NGOs have extensive intellectual baggage and field experience. The government can create policies that increase economic attractiveness for the sector, such as proposing tax incentives. Companies and banks, on the other hand, are willing to invest resources in restoration and reforestation. These activities generate jobs and income and make a fundamental contribution to mitigating the impacts of climate change,” says Renata Piazzon, co-facilitator of the Coalition Brazil Climate, Forests, and Agriculture, who will open the event.
The debate on forest restoration in Brazil at Climate Week is promoted by three organizations – the Brazilian Business Council for Sustainable Development (CEBDS), the Brazil Climate, Forests, and Agriculture Coalition, and re.green. The panel will be broadcast on the Coalition Brazil YouTube channel at 9 a.m. (Brasília time).
Event Details
Panel: “The Business Case for Nature”
September 19, from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. (New York) / 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (Brasília)
Location: Yale Club, New York
Where to watch (in English, with simultaneous translation): Brazilian Coalition’s YouTune channel
Opening: Marina Grossi (CEBDS) and Renata Piazzon (Brazil Coalition)
Panelists: Marcelo Behar (Natura), Catherine Martini (Microsoft), Mariana Sarmiento (Terrazos), and Bernardo Strassburg (re.green).
Moderation: Vijay V. Vaitheeswaran (The Economist)
More information: https://www.climateweeknyc.org