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Greenhouse gas emissions could be drastically reduced by up to 80% in Brazil by 2050 if effective measures are adopted in the energy sector. This is the conclusion of the report “Future of Energy”, recently released by the Climate Observatory (OC).
One of the main recommendations of the study points to the need to transform Brazilian cities. The goal is to drastically reduce CO2 emissions in passenger transport. According to the Climate Observatory, Brazil can reduce emissions from this sector from 102 million tons of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) to just 16 million tons by 2050. To achieve this, investments will be needed in:
- Electric public transport: Expansion of electric bus and subway fleets, reducing the use of fossil fuel-powered cars.
- Compact cities: Encouragement of urban development, with greater proximity between workplaces and homes.
- Cycling infrastructure: Expansion of cycle paths and encouragement of the use of bicycles as regular transport.
These changes, although challenging, have great potential to transform Brazil into a global model of sustainable mobility, while improving the population's quality of life.
Challenges in cargo transportation
Despite the expected progress in passenger transportation, the cargo sector still faces major challenges in decarbonization. The electrification of heavy and semi-heavy trucks is a complex task due to the high cost of batteries, in addition to the long distances traveled. The study warns that innovative solutions and investments in alternative technologies, such as cleaner fuels, are essential to overcome this obstacle.
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- High cost of electrification: Electric trucks currently have a high initial cost, and developing long-lasting batteries is another challenge to overcome.
- distances traveled: The long distances on Brazilian highways make the electrification of freight transport more complex and expensive.
Industry: a new era with clean fuels
Another major highlight of the report is the need for an energy transition in Brazilian industry, which is one of the largest consumers of energy in the country. green hydrogen It is highlighted as one of the main solutions to reduce emissions in energy-intensive sectors, such as steel and cement production.
- green hydrogen: This fuel is produced through the electrolysis of water, using renewable sources such as solar and wind energy. This creates a production cycle that is virtually free of carbon emissions.
- Other forms of hydrogen: In addition to green hydrogen, other technologies such as biomass gasification and biomethane and ethanol reforming can also be explored as viable options for the energy transition.
Brazilian industry, with these new technologies, can not only reduce its emissions, but also position itself as a global leader in the production of clean fuels.
Social impacts of the energy transition
The report also emphasizes the importance of ensuring a fair and equitable energy transition, protecting the rights of communities affected by new developments. Several cases of conflicts related to wind energy projects in the Northeast, for example, were cited, where local communities suffered environmental and social impacts without due compensation.
- Territorial conflicts: Many renewable energy projects, such as wind farms, have been installed without due respect for local communities, resulting in social discontent and problems.
- Environmental impact: Even hydroelectric plants, although considered clean energy, cause damage to the environment, such as interrupting fish migration, affecting biodiversity and populations that depend on fishing.
The study highlights that for a successful energy transition, it is crucial to ensure that impacted communities and workers are adequately protected.
The race for critical metals in mining
The energy transition also directly depends on the extraction of strategic minerals, such as lithium and nickel, which are essential for the production of batteries and other equipment used in clean technologies, such as electric vehicles and wind turbines. Brazil has a privileged position as a supplier of these resources, especially to countries like China, which leads the production of equipment for the energy transition.
However, this mineral exploration also brings significant environmental and social challenges, such as the impact on indigenous and quilombola areas, which have already reported problems caused by lithium mining, such as water pollution and increased violence.
- Mining and social conflicts: Since 2020, the Observatory of Mining Conflicts in Brazil has identified more than 1.700 locations in conflict, with Minas Gerais and Pará being the most affected states.
- Impact on water and soil: Mining these critical minerals can result in contamination of natural resources, severely impacting local communities.
A sustainable future is possible
The Climate Observatory study makes it clear that reducing emissions from the energy sector by up to 80% by 2050 is an ambitious but achievable goal. The transformations required in the transport, industry and mining sectors are significant, but if implemented in an integrated and sustainable manner, they can position Brazil as a leader in the transition to a low-carbon economy.
With the advancement of clean technologies and a more conscious approach to the use of natural resources, Brazil has the opportunity to balance economic growth with environmental protection, ensuring a more sustainable future for future generations.
