Brazil deforestation pressures will mount at COP26

Significance

During last month’s UN General Assembly, President Jair Bolsonaro unsuccessfully argued that his government was controlling deforestation in the Amazon region. Reports indicate that between August 2020 and July 2021, nearly 8,800 square kilometres (km2) of forest were cut down.

Impacts

• Despite stronger international pressure, the outlook for forest preservation is alarming absent a well-structured policy for Amazonia.
• Major Brazilian business sectors will face significant risks from international climate pushback without policy improvements.
• Brazil will argue for greater international assistance to offset the costs of climate mitigation policies.