Environmental legislation 'making a big difference in Brazil'

Brazil's efforts to reduce its environmental impact has seen it reverse deforestation of the Amazon, increase renewable energy and restrict mining potential in the country, the Financial Times has recently reported.

Brazil has been in the spotlight for many things recently, but environmental legislation is not something it is commonly reported on. However, recent figures suggest that it should be making the headlines over its environmental efforts.

The country will host the forthcoming Rio+20 conference, where it will top the list for environmental sustainability ahead of many of the international attendees at the event. Deforestation of the Amazon has been reduced significantly, meaning that an estimated 80 per cent of the forest is still in existence.

Additionally, more than three-quarters of the country’s electricity comes from hydropower facilities and nearly half its total energy mix from renewable sources, compared with an international average of 12 per cent, the FT reported. As of 2010, 80 per cent of Brazil’s vehicles have been equipped with motors capable of running on ethanol.

Encouraged by these projects, the Brazilian government will be looking to further its achievements, setting itself a goal to reduce its projected 2020 emissions by up to 39 per cent.

Posted by Joseph Hutton