Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
3 min of reading 
0 comments 
Context of COP30
During the COP30 — United Nations Conference on Climate Change — held in Belém (PA), Brazil has emphasized the importance of climate multilateralism. According to the Minister of the Environment, Marina Silva, the summit represents an “opportunity to strengthen international cooperation.”
At the same time, the Brazilian government advocates for a pragmatic approach: it is possible to combine oil exploration with the promotion of renewable sources such as solar. This position causes divisions among environmentalists and industrial sectors.
Lula’s Speech at COP30
At the beginning of COP30, on November 6, 2025, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva made an appeal to the international community. He emphasized the urgency of accelerating the energy transition, focusing on renewable fuels such as solar, wind, and hydropower.
-
Lula reveals a masterstroke by Petrobras to undo a deal made by Bolsonaro, which involves the return of an important refinery that currently produces less than half of what was expected and makes Brazil dependent on international diesel.
-
A study confirms that the natural gas sector will reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Brazil by 0.5% and accelerate the energy transition by 2026.
-
Petrobras implements a severe adjustment and confirms a 55% increase in the price of aviation kerosene with a proposal for installment payments for the companies.
-
The rise in oil prices could ensure an extra revenue of R$ 100 billion for the Federal Government, indicates a recent economic study.
Lula stated that it is necessary to “map the way” to move away from fossil dependence in a “just and planned” manner. He also said that the transition should occur equitably, without leaving behind the most vulnerable countries.
This speech seems, however, to contrast with another front: days earlier, the president had defended the exploration of oil in the equatorial margin, precisely to generate resources to finance the energy transition.
Argument for Oil Exploration
For the government, oil exploration can serve as a driver to enable the energy transition. In June 2025, Lula stated that Brazil can use its reserves to generate wealth that will be reinvested in renewable sources.
Additionally, the President of the Senate, Davi Alcolumbre, reinforced this strategy at COP30. He stated that oil exploration should be done in a “responsible manner, based on science and with respect for the environment.”
According to Alcolumbre, the royalties from this oil would be channeled to clean energy projects, such as solar and wind, and to social justice initiatives in the Amazon.
Incoherence and Criticism
The Brazilian position is not free from criticism. For many experts and activists, advocating for the transition while simultaneously supporting oil exploration is contradictory.
Additionally, according to a report from R7, COP30 has formally avoided making fossil fuels a central theme in negotiations. This generates distrust: if Brazil speaks of transition, why does it not prioritize moving away from fossil fuels?
Some see the government discourse as a way to “ride on” the climate narrative to justify new fossil investments. Others, however, consider that the country is adopting a realistic stance: seeking clean sources but not completely abandoning its natural resources.
Cooperation for Decarbonization
Despite the differences, there is a clear effort to strengthen international cooperation. The Ministry of Mines and Energy states that, at COP30, Brazil aims to accelerate decarbonization in the oil and gas sector through global partnerships.
The ANP (National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas, and Biofuels) is also actively participating in the conference in Belém. In an official statement, the agency claims to be working on measures to support the energy transition, including regulating biomethane and promoting less polluting sources.
The Paradox of the Brazilian Climate Agenda
In summary, Brazil bets on climate multilateralism as the cornerstone of its participation in COP30. As Marina Silva highlighted, this international cooperation is essential to face the climate crisis.
However, at the same time, the government appeals for oil exploration to finance parts of this transition. This stance highlights a paradox: the country wants to be a leader in renewable energy but maintains significant support for fossil fuels.
The question is: will this be a sustainable and credible model for the world? If COP30 turns out to be merely a stage for speeches, there is a risk that part of the potential of solar energy and other clean sources may be overshadowed by old interests.
Seja o primeiro a reagir!