Brazil publishes first global 'roadmap' for phasing out fossil fuels

Brazil has issued the first global roadmap outlining practical steps countries can take to reduce dependence on coal, oil and gas, arguing they need not wait for new technologies or economic changes to begin. The plans are designed to shift climate action from negotiating new international agreements toward putting existing commitments into practice, involving finance, transport, energy and infrastructure ministries. They are nonbinding and leave each country to assess its own dependence and choose suitable measures. Suggested actions include rapidly cutting methane released through gas flaring and venting, reducing fossil-fuel subsidies and expanding renewable power. A companion roadmap addresses halting and reversing deforestation, including stronger oversight of trade in goods linked to forest loss.

The plans offer possibilities rather than a detailed schedule: they set no deadlines, milestones or required pace of change. Climate scientist Joeri Rogelj welcomed them as progress but said the absence of benchmarks leaves unclear whether countries will act quickly enough to meet the Paris agreement’s temperature goals. Brazil’s approach differs from national plans developed by countries in a separate coalition, which prescribe more specific policies for their own governments. The forest roadmap estimates that protecting forests may require $300bn annually by 2030 and $500bn by 2050, far above current funding of about $85bn a year. It also highlights the need to curb deforestation-linked trade and notes Brazil’s forest-protection fund, which has raised about $7bn. Brazil’s own deforestation rates fell around 70% during Lula’s previous four years in office.