Brazil’s Environment Minister Marina Silva warns that geopolitical tensions are diminishing trust among countries, complicating climate action. She underscores that despite the challenges presented by the US’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, multilateralism remains vital. Silva emphasizes the necessity of reforms in global governance to enhance effectiveness in combating climate issues.
Brazil’s Environment and Climate Minister, Marina Silva, articulated that ongoing geopolitical issues, such as wars and trade disputes, are undermining trust among nations and complicating climate action initiatives. Speaking in New Delhi during TERI’s World Sustainable Development Summit, Silva emphasized that despite the struggles of multilateralism, it remains the only viable pathway to addressing global challenges effectively.
Silva expressed concerns over the implications of the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Agreement on Brazil’s climate goals for the upcoming UN climate conference in Belem. She remarked that the intersection of various negative geopolitical factors poses significant challenges for climate action. Issues such as trade protectionism may yield short-term benefits but ultimately lead to broader negative economic consequences including inflation and food insecurity.
The climate minister warned that the recent disappointing outcomes from COP29 in Baku have further eroded trust in multilateral climate negotiations. This skepticism has intensified due to developed nations failing to meet their climate finance commitments, as exemplified by the meager offer of USD 300 billion by 2035, contrasting sharply with the needed USD 1.3 trillion annually for sustainable climate efforts in developing countries.
Silva reiterated that while the shortcomings of multilateralism are evident, it is essential for any effective solution to global challenges. She called for reforms within the UN system to enhance its effectiveness and adaptability to dynamic global conditions. Silva concluded by acknowledging the significant influence of the United States as a leading greenhouse gas emitter on Brazil’s climate strategy, but affirmed Brazil’s resilience in pursuing robust climate action and addressing inequality.
In summary, Brazil’s Climate Minister Marina Silva has highlighted that geopolitical tensions are eroding trust among nations, complicating climate action efforts. Although the US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement affects Brazil’s climate goals, Silva maintains that multilateralism is crucial in addressing these challenges. The recent disappointing results from climate conferences have exacerbated skepticism toward international cooperation, underscoring the need for reforms in governance systems to better tackle climate change.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
