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The city stands out for its alarming greenhouse gas emissions, a result of the operations of Petrobras' largest refinery. The company has promised to cut emissions and invest billions in sustainability by 2050, but will this be enough to curb the advance of climate change?
Paulínia, an industrial city located in the interior of São Paulo, is once again highlighted in environmental rankings.
The reason, however, is far from positive. Known for housing the largest Petrobras refinery in Brazil, the Paulínia Refinery (Replan), the city registered a significant increase in greenhouse gas emissions in 2023.
According to data from the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Estimation System (SEEG), linked to the Climate Observatory, Paulínia was the third largest emitter of polluting gases in the state of São Paulo, releasing 4,51 million tons of CO2 equivalent (tCO2e) into the atmosphere.
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This alarming volume of emissions represents a 9,1% increase compared to the previous year, marking the highest rate since 2015.
The Paulínia Refinery, the main responsible for the environmental impact, concentrated around 96% of local emissions.
“Industrial activity at the refinery is the main source of greenhouse gas emissions in Paulínia, a direct reflection of the continuous operation of oil refining operations,” said David Tsai, SEEG coordinator, in an interview with G1 portal.
Understand the main sources of emissions
Paulínia's emissions are generated mainly in two refinery processes.
The first is the burning of fossil fuels used to maintain industrial operations, while the second involves gas leaks during the refining process.
According to Tsai, these leaks can occur both intentionally and accidentally.
To measure the impact, the distribution of emissions in Paulínia in 2023 was as follows:
- Oil refining: 4.336.875 tCO2e
- Transportation: 688.201 tCO2e
- Industry: 168.902 tCO2e
- Electricity generation: 121.792 tCO2e
These numbers show the weight of the petrochemical sector in the city's negative environmental contribution.
However, despite the worrying scenario, positive news emerged: the solid waste sector in Paulínia managed to capture 857.076 tCO2e of polluting gases, which resulted in a 16% reduction in the city's net emissions.
This reduction occurred due to the recovery of methane and biogas from the local landfill, which are reused to generate clean energy.
State comparison: Paulínia at the top of emissions
The SEEG survey revealed that Paulínia was only behind the cities of São Paulo and Guarulhos in greenhouse gas emissions in the state.
Check out the ranking of the six most polluting cities in São Paulo in 2023:
- Sao Paulo: 14.472.375 tCO2e
- Guarulhos: 4.750.934 tCO2e
- Paulinia: 4.513.377 tCO2e
- São José dos Campos: 3.725.161 tCO2e
- Campinas: 2.934.902 tCO2e
- Cubatão: 2.828.911 tCO2e
Paulínia's prominent position in the ranking raises an alert regarding the environmental impact generated by industrial activity in the city, especially due to the Paulínia Refinery, whose production accounts for a significant part of the national fuel supply.
Petrobras' response
In a note sent to G1 portal, Petrobras recognized its environmental responsibility and highlighted that it has been taking measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in its operations.
The company said that between 2015 and 2023, it managed to reduce its operational emissions from 78 million to 46 million tons of CO2, equivalent to three times the emissions of the commercial aviation sector in Brazil.
“Methane emissions were reduced by 70% in the same period. The Petrobras is committed to neutralizing its net emissions by 2050, through sustainable initiatives and advanced technology for carbon capture and storage,” the company declared to G1 portal.
Petrobras' new strategic plan, which covers the period from 2025 to 2029, foresees an investment of US$16,3 billion in projects aimed at energy transition and sustainability, an increase of 42% compared to the previous plan.
The company also guaranteed that its Paulínia unit is among the most efficient in the world in terms of environmental performance and energy efficiency.
Environmental challenges and perspectives for the future
Despite the efforts announced by Petrobras, the environmental impact of Paulínia remains a constant concern.
The city's challenge is immense: finding a balance between industrial development and environmental preservation.
“It is possible to grow without compromising the environment, but this requires robust investments and effective public policies,” noted an environmental expert consulted by G1 portal.
The city of Paulínia finds itself at the center of an environmental dilemma, with considerable responsibility due to its strategic role in the national production of fuels.
The promise of carbon neutrality by 2050 and the billions announced in investments are important steps, but it remains to be seen whether concrete actions will accompany these commitments.
So this government is not a protector of the environment?
Of course, refining activities pollute. However, what should be highlighted is the reduction from 78 to 46 mtonCO2. A drastic reduction.
Wake up Ferreira! Of course this Federal Government wants to reduce pollution, destroy forests and combat illegal mining. Unlike the previous mismanagement of the ineligible former president.