A low-carbon economy, combined with fewer environmental and social impacts. The transition to the so-called “green growth” is on the global agenda, especially in meetings such as the Climate Conference, which has been held since the 1st of November, in Glasgow, Scotland. The event has Brazilian representatives from the public and private sectors showing the world initiatives for sustainable development and investment opportunities.
This Wednesday (November 3rd), the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovations, Marcos Pontes, was the main speaker at the “Green Growth” table, at the 26th edition of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26). During a broadcast from Brasília, the minister presented actions and demonstrated interest in integrating solutions for the improvement of green indicators in Brazil.
“We produce a lot of knowledge. But how do we transport it to new companies, new products, new jobs? In the environmental sector, we have a lot to contribute,” the minister pointed out.
Marcos Pontes mentioned the energy sector, indicating studies conducted by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovations (MCTI) in the area of renewable energy. According to Pontes, the portfolio develops research to improve the efficiency of photoelectric cells, used in solar energy, and of generators used in wind energy. The development of technologies for the use of green hydrogen is also the target of the Ministry’s studies.
“We have to make the transition from fossil fuel to renewable sources in an intelligent way, supported by technology,” the minister argued. Brazil has a competitive advantage in terms of clean energy, since 82.76% of the Brazilian energy matrix is renewable – 60.71% of which is hydroelectric, according to data from the Brazilian Electricity Regulatory Agency (Aneel).
GREEN GROWTH
The Minister of the Environment, Joaquim Leite, was present at the COP26 debate, and recalled the creation of the National Green Growth Program (PNCV), launched on October 25th, in partnership with the Ministry of the Economy.
“It is important to see science as an ally of development in the scope of the new program. Let us create this green, emission-free economy together”, said Leite.
The objectives of the PNCV are to combine reduction of carbon emissions, conservation of forests and rational use of natural resources with generation of green jobs and economic growth. According to Joaquim Leite, the program will support and prioritize green projects to promote sustainable entrepreneurship and innovation, combining environmental preservation and improving the living conditions of the population.
The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Marcos Pontes, stressed that he already has initiatives aligned with the goals of the new program.
“We have hundreds of projects related to the environment and focused on development. Our focus is to transform the researcher’s knowledge into practice. Through science, we were able to use natural resources in a sustainable and efficient way, transforming this into economic and social development for the country”, Pontes said.
Among the programs mentioned by the minister is the Amazon System of Satellite Laboratories (Salas), which provides for the installation of laboratories throughout the Amazon, focusing on the development of production chains based on biodiversity and the discovery of new materials and active principles.
Three laboratories have already been concluded by the ministry:
Vitória Régia Floating Laboratory, Peixe Boi Jungle Laboratory and Ferreira Penna Scientific Station.
Bioeconomy production chains are also monitored by MCTI, focusing on adding value to local productions. The Ministry also has a National Simulator of Sector Policies and Emissions, the official tool of the Brazilian government for the projection of scenarios for the implementation of public policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. “I am proud to call my Ministry a toolbox with the ability to help everyone else,” Pontes added.
