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 Brazil  Joined GMI in 2004 

Introduction

Brazil is a founding member of the Global Methane Initiative (GMI), launched in 2004, and has made significant strides in addressing methane emissions through the establishment of emissions goals and the publication of comprehensive plans and strategies.

Brazil has implemented a variety of measures aimed at reducing methane emissions, particularly through national policies and climate action initiatives. Notably, Brazil has launched several projects to promote the use of biogas as a clean energy alternative, which supports both its national objectives and international commitments for climate action. These efforts reflect Brazil's commitment to sustainable development while actively contributing to global efforts to mitigate climate change.

Brazil is currently active on the Biogas Subcommittee.

Finland is currently active on the Steering Committee and the Biogas Subcommittee.


Methane Emissions Summary

According to the Fourth Biennial Update Report of Brazil, published in 2020, methane emissions were estimated at 17,268.9 Gg in 2016, with the majority originating from the agriculture and waste sectors.

Methane Emissions Trend by Sector, 1990-2016

Methane Emissions Trend by Sector, 1990-2016

Methane Emissions Estimates by Sector with Uncertainty Analysis, 2016

Sector Uncertainty (%) Emissions
(Gg CH
4)
Agriculture 31 13,087.1
Enteric Fermentation 34 11,822.9
Manure Management 38 630.9
Rice Cultivations 45 459.9
Burning of Crop Residues 32 173.4
Waste Treatment 16 2,868.5
Solid Waste 23 1,497.1
Wastewater 23 1,371.4
Industrial 30 817.4
Domestic 35 554.0
Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry 72 672.0
Energy 49 604.9
Fuel Combustion 73 386.3
Fugitive Emissions 44 218.6
Coal Mining 73 56.8
Extraction and Transportation of Oil and Natural Gas 54 161.8
Industrial Processes 10 36.4
Iron and Steel Production 15 21.2
Other Metallurgical industries 15 3.3
Chemical Industry 17 11.9
TOTAL 24 17,268.9

Source: The Fourth Biennial Update Report of Brazil, 2020. https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resource/BUR4.Brazil.pdf

Methane Commitments and Plans

Brazil participates in international partnerships dedicated to addressing climate change.

National

Brazil supports and engages with international climate efforts to address methane challenges.
  • Brazil joined the European Union to launch the Global Methane Pledge (GMP) in 2021 at the United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference (COP26), committing to reducing global methane emissions by 30% from 2020 levels by 2030.
  • Brazil has been a partner of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition since 2023, supporting activities to address air pollution and promote clean air initiatives.
  • Brazil signed the Paris Agreement on climate change in April 2016, committing to significant measures to combat climate change. Specifically, Brazil strives to reduce GHG emissions to 50% below 2005 levels by 2030.

Methane Actions

The following highlights a sampling of actions taken in Brazil to address methane, organized by GMI sector.

Biogas Sector

  • The Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock partnered with CCAC, Embrapa, and Instituto 17 on a project Integrating Methane Mitigation Into National Agriculture Strategies  – which is guided by the strategy of Brazil's ABC+ Plan for Adaptation and Low Carbon Emissions in Agriculture – that aims to develop data coordination and monitoring tools, as well as institutional capacity which will enable action to reduce methane emissions through manure management. (2023)
  • The National Zero Methane Program was launched to stimulate the agriculture and livestock sectors by advancing the production and use of biomethane and biogas. The initiative will also support scientific and technical research on biogas and foster national and international cooperation to reduce methane emissions. (2022)
  • The Brazilian government issued a decree and two executive orders to promote biogas as a renewable energy source, aiming to reduce GHG emissions and enhance sustainable energy. (2022)
  • Brazil’s National Biofuels Policy, known as RenovaBio, was instituted in 2017 to increase the production and integration of biofuels into the national energy matrix. The policy aims to enhance energy security, reduce GHG emissions, and promote sustainable development through the use of renewable energy sources. (2017)

Oil & Gas Sector

  • Brazil announced at the COP28 Global Methane Pledge Ministerial that its National Council of Energy Policy will establish guidelines on methane reduction in the oil and gas sector by the end of 2024, and the National Agency for Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) aims to finalize regulations by the end of 2025 based on these guidelines. (2023)

Cross Sector

  • Established in December 2009, Law NO 12.187 establishes the national policy on climate change and sustainable development. The policy sets goals for emissions reductions, fosters renewable energy adoption, and integrates climate considerations into public policies to address both mitigation and adaptation challenges. (2009)

Ministries and Agencies Supporting Methane Actions

Explore the following websites to learn more about the Brazilian government agencies that address greenhouse gas emissions, including methane-specific programs.

GMI Delegates

Committee/SubcommitteeDelegate NameAffiliation
Biogas SubcommitteeMírian de OliveiraMinistry of Environment and Climate Change
Biogas SubcommitteeÁlife Boernerges de Oliveira CamposMinistry of Environment and Climate Change
Biogas SubcommitteeSidney MedeirosBrazilian Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock
Biogas SubcommitteeAlberto Rocha NetoMinistry of Environment and Climate Change


Global Methane Initiative (GMI)
Leading methane action since 2004