Earth Equity News

Brazil May Cap CO2 Emissions a 2005 Levels. By Raymond Colitt, Reuters, October 13, 2009. "As it finalizes its proposals ahead of the U.N. climate talks in Copenhagen this December, Brazil is considering capping its carbon dioxide emissions at 2005 levels, Environment Minister Carlos Minc said Tuesday. 'We can reach 2020 with levels similar to those of 2005, even with [economic] growth of 4% annually,' said Minc, who proposed the target during a cabinet meeting with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. 'There was not much disagreement over the target as such, but there were alternative proposals on how to get there,' he said, adding that a final decision could be announced as soon as Oct. 20. Brazil emitted some 2.2 billion tons of CO2 in 2005, mostly through destruction of the Amazon rain forest. Freezing emissions at 2005 levels could cost more than $10 billion a year, Minc said. Also this week, President Lula agreed to expand Brazil's deforestation targets. Brazil will aim for an 80% reduction in the deforestation rate by 2020."