Belém, Amazonian City of Brazil, Presents Initial Synthesis of Greenhouse Gas Inventory during COP28

 

Dubai (UAE), December 2, 2023 – During the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), the city of Belém, located in the Brazilian Amazon, proudly showcased its pioneering efforts in the fight against climate change. Announcing the synthesis of the 1st Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Removals Inventory, Belém seeks to solidify its commitment to sustainability and establish itself as a global benchmark for sustainable urban practices.

This inventory identified the city’s major emission sources, providing a solid foundation for the formulation of strategies that strengthen Belém as a resilient and low-emission city. The launch event, held on December 2 during the panel “Belém Toward COP-30: Inclusion and Popular Participation” at COP28 in Dubai, marked a milestone in Belém’s journey toward a sustainable future.

 

Belém, Host City of COP30 in 2025

In May 2023, Belém was chosen as the host city for the United Nations COP30, recognizing the importance of the Amazon in climate discussions and cementing Belém’s position as a key player in the global climate agenda. The city’s commitment to sustainability was underscored by the launch, on December 2, 2023, during COP28 in Dubai, of the 1st Greenhouse Gas Inventory, an initiative promoted by the Municipality of Belém, with crucial support from the European Union through the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM Americas), and developed with technical support from ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability. It is the result of dialogue and support from the National Coordination of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM) in Brazil, composed of the Brazilian Association of Municipalities, National Front of Mayors, ICLEI South America, and Instituto Alziras.

At COP28, the Mayor of Belém, Edmilson Rodrigues, emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change, stating that “Complex challenges, such as climate change, require dynamic solutions.” He underscored the imperative need to enhance governance to ensure a fair and inclusive response to the climate emergency in our communities. “As the host of COP30, Belém demonstrates a proactive commitment to sustainability.” Additionally, Edmilson highlighted Belém’s central role in shaping environmental policies in the Amazon, revealing the fundamental importance that the city will play in hosting COP30: “COP30 will not only be Belém’s but that of the entire Amazon. As the current president of the Forum of Amazonian Cities, Belém recognizes the importance of placing river and forest cities at the forefront of the discussion on climate change.”

The European Union, committed to climate neutrality by 2050 and aligned with the goals of the Paris Agreement, views with great enthusiasm its role in supporting cities in the Americas through the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM). In the words of Stephanie Horel, Program Director for the Americas at the Delegation of the European Union to Brazil, “We recognize that cities are crucial protagonists in implementing actions against climate change, especially in challenging regions like the Amazon, where Belém stands out as a leading city. By supporting Belém in developing its first Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Removals Inventory, the EU believes that this initiative will be fundamental in driving local climate actions, reinforcing the city’s commitment to an ambitious and sustainable approach to addressing climate challenges. This joint effort is a testament to Belém’s commitment to the cause, aligning with our shared vision of combating climate change, and we congratulate the city for its prominent role on the journey to COP30.”

 

Highlighted Inventory: Key Findings

• Transport Leads Emissions: As observed in other Brazilian urban centers, the transportation sector stands out as the main emitter in the city. Gasoline consumption in private transport was particularly notable.
• Annual Variations and Influencing Factors: Between 2018 and 2022, Belém emitted 1.68 MtCO2e, with a 16% reduction by 2020. Variations were influenced by political crises, the COVID-19 pandemic, and economic factors.
• City’s Commitment to Sustainability: Belém, the future host of COP30 in 2025, demonstrates a proactive commitment to sustainability. The inventory is a fundamental step in local policies combating climate change, recognizing the global impact of local actions.

This launch symbolizes not only a technical advancement but a visible commitment from Belém to building a sustainable future.

The full report of the inventory will be released later, providing an opportunity to delve into these data and analyses together with the population of Belém and the entire Amazon region.

Download here the Synthesis of Belem’s Greenhouse Gas Inventory