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Universidade Autónoma de Lisboa
e-ISSN: 1647-7251
VOL15, N.º 2, TD1
Thematic Dossier – Brazil-China relations:
The rise of modern International Order
December 2024
381
CLIMATE CHANGE AND SUSTAINABILITY:
AN IMPORTANT PART OF CURRENT SINO-BRAZILIAN RELATIONS
CHEN JIANFEI
mc35836@umac.mo
Master student at the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Macau (China). Her research
interests include Latin American politics, peace and conflict in the Latin American region, Latin
America in the context of South-South relations, and development issues in Third World
countries.
Abstract
The evolution cooperation pattern in regard Sino-Brazilian cooperation, has extended to
climate and sustainability concerns in light of the United countries Framework Convention on
Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement. The importance of this subject rests with
the fact that two of the top 10 world economies are advocating for the principle of "common
but differentiated responsibilities” and making it an important part of their bilateral
relationship. By analyzing government documents, policies, and major projects related to
climate change mitigation, the addresses various approaches, cooperation and improvement
in bilateral and multilateral efforts. In this study, we argue that the risen to power of President
Lula offered opportunities for deeper cooperation between Brazil and China to navigate
external pressures and actions to protect the climate. Thus, Brazil and China are not only able
to protect tropical rainforests, but also contribute significantly to ameliorate the global climate
and promote sustainability.
Keywords
Brazil, China, Climate Changes, Environmental Diplomacy.
Resumo
O padrão de evolução da cooperação sino-brasileira estendeu-se às preocupações climáticas
e de sustentabilidade à luz da Convenção-Quadro dos Estados Unidos sobre Alterações
Climáticas (UNFCCC) e do Acordo de Paris. A importância deste assunto reside no facto de
duas das 10 principais economias mundiais defenderem o princípio das “responsabilidades
comuns mas diferenciadas” e do Brasil e da China terem tornado esta preocupações numa
parte importante da sua relação bilateral. Neste estudo, defendemos que a ascensão ao poder
do Presidente Lula ofereceu oportunidades para uma cooperação mais profunda entre o Brasil
e a China para lidar com pressões externas e ações para proteger o clima. Assim, o Brasil e a
China não só são capazes de proteger as florestas tropicais, como também contribuem
significativamente para melhorar o clima global e promover a sustentabilidade.
Palavras-chave
Brasil, China, Alterações Climáticas, Diplomacia Ambiental.
JANUS.NET, e-journal of International Relations
e-ISSN: 1647-7251
VOL 15 N.º 2, TD 1
Thematic Dossier
Brazil-China relations: The rise of modern International Order
December 2024, pp. 381-390
Climate Change and Sustainability: an Important part of Current Sino-Brazilian Relations
Chen Jianfei
382
How to cite this article
Jianfei, Chen (2024). Climate Change and Sustainability: an Important part of Current Sino-
Brazilian Relations. Janus.net, e-journal of international relations. VOL 15 N.º 2, TD1 – Temathic
Dossier – “Brazil - China Relations: The Rise Of Modern International Order”. December 2024, pp.
381-390. https://doi.org/10.26619/1647-7251.DT0324.19.
Article received on 6 August 2024 and accepted for publication on 4 October 2024.
JANUS.NET, e-journal of International Relations
e-ISSN: 1647-7251
VOL 15 N.º 2, TD 1
Thematic Dossier
Brazil-China relations: The rise of modern International Order
December 2024, pp. 381-390
Climate Change and Sustainability: an Important part of Current Sino-Brazilian Relations
Chen Jianfei
383
CLIMATE CHANGE AND SUSTAINABILITY:
AN IMPORTANT PART OF CURRENT SINO-BRAZILIAN RELATIONS
CHEN JIANFEI
Introduction
The global concern on climate change has becoming more and more an urgent topic and
it’s the defining issue of our time. With the challenges led by shifting weather patterns
and rising sea levels, nations worldwide are building strategic partnerships to combat this
existential threat. Among these alliances, the relationships between Brazil and China
plays a significant role in environmental sustainability (United Nations, n.d.).
As two of the world's largest economies and greenhouse gas emitters, the cooperation
between Brazil and China does have the potential to be an important part of global
environmental policy. The joint declaration of deepening comprehensive strategic
partnership between the two nations in 2023 acknowledged the imperative to confront
the impacts of climate change. This acknowledgment pushed the establishment of a
specialized committee under China-Brazil High-Level Coordination and Cooperation
Committee, focused on environmental protection and climate change reduction (Ministry
of Foreign Affairs, 2023).
The book Brazil-China Relations in the 21st Century: The Making of a Strategic
Partnership by Maurício Santoro and Environmental Diplomacy: Negotiating More
Effective Global Agreements by Susskind et. al. provided the main inspiration for this
paper. The content on news and government websites was also a source of reference.
They provide factual references, theoretical support, and inspiration for ideas. This study
examines both the internal and external challenges encountered in cooperation while also
discussing the potential prospects and relevance of Brazilian-Chinese collaboration for
other Latin American countries, particularly those with rainforests, and for global South-
South cooperation.
The research objective is to analyze Brazil–China relations regarding climate change by
scrutinizing their bilateral cooperation and commitments within multilateral platforms,
focusing on policy documents and diplomatic exchanges. It will explore opportunities,
challenges, and prospects for enhanced cooperation between the two countries in climate
action and sustainable development.
JANUS.NET, e-journal of International Relations
e-ISSN: 1647-7251
VOL 15 N.º 2, TD 1
Thematic Dossier
Brazil-China relations: The rise of modern International Order
December 2024, pp. 381-390
Climate Change and Sustainability: an Important part of Current Sino-Brazilian Relations
Chen Jianfei
384
Literature Review
According to Susskind et. al. (2014), environmental diplomacy specifically addresses the
significance of agreements and negotiations related to global environmental importance
and concerns. It refers to the function of international treaties, agreements and accords
in promoting cooperation and settling disputes pertaining to environmental matters.
According to this supposition, a variety of factors can be used to assess whether
environmental treaty-making procedures are successful or unsuccessful, including the
involvement of civil society, the strength of scientific consensus, and the execution of
accords. The various issues of climate change diplomacy are also made clear by the rise
of new academic subfields such as environmental security, global environmental
governance, and environmental peacebuilding. By putting these different theoretical
concepts to practical use, environmental diplomacies are able to reach agreements that
are not only beneficial to the environment, but also enhance international relations by
discussing these common and shared environmental issues (Susskind et al., 2014).
Examining Brazil-China ties in the subject of climate change provides important points of
view into the changing nature of global cooperation to tackle environmental issues. Since
the early 1990s, both nations (Brazil and China) have actively participated in climate
change negotiations, especially through their memberships in the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This early participation
significantly highlights Brazil's and China's importance as major actors in global climate
governance (Santoro, 2022).
The literature also discusses the consequences of China's and Brazil's status as countries
in the process of industrialization with abundant natural resources and biodiversity. Both
nations have committed to combating climate change and protecting the environment,
despite having different political systems. Their cooperation in climate diplomacy
demonstrates their understanding of the value of group action in addressing global
warming in addition to their shared interests (Santoro, 2022) (Cheng, 2022).
Methodological approaches focusing on policy responses related to climate change,
provide a comprehensive understanding of the strategies adopted by Brazil and China in
climate challenges (Barbi, 2016). By analyzing government documents, policies, and
major projects related to climate change mitigation, the addresses various approaches,
cooperation and improvement in bilateral and multilateral efforts. Overall, the literature
on Brazil-China relations shows the importance of understanding the interactions
between political, economic, and environmental factors in solving climate change issues.
Historical Background
Brazil and China have strong partnerships including economic cooperation, diplomatic
exchanges, and cooperation in various fields. From the establishment of diplomatic ties
in 1974 to the upgrade to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2012, their
relationships have flourished (Santoro, 2022). In the twentieth century, both Brazil and
China went through the periods of intensive development primarily focusing on economic
growth and industrialization. During this time, environmental concerns took a backseat
as the primary goal was to use natural resources for agricultural and industrial purposes
JANUS.NET, e-journal of International Relations
e-ISSN: 1647-7251
VOL 15 N.º 2, TD 1
Thematic Dossier
Brazil-China relations: The rise of modern International Order
December 2024, pp. 381-390
Climate Change and Sustainability: an Important part of Current Sino-Brazilian Relations
Chen Jianfei
385
(Furtado, 2005; Shapiro, 2001). This history resulted in significant environmental
problem, including deforestation, pollution, and loss of biodiversity (Watts, 2010).
At the beginning, both Brazil and China didn’t focus much on international environmental
agendas, viewing them as they will slow down the developmental projects (Correa do
Lago, 2007). In Brazil, the military regime prioritized economic expansion in the Amazon,
while China was on a path of opening and reform. Environmental concerns were covered
by the pursuit of economic growth.
The tide began to turn in Brazil during the democratization of the 1980s, marked by the
emergence of a vibrant environmental movement, particularly in the Amazon region.
Figures like Chico Mendes, a leader of rubber workers, gained global recognition,
symbolizing the growing environmental consciousness of the era. Institutional
developments, including the establishment of agencies dedicated to environmental
protection, laid the base for future environmental policy and diplomacy (Santoro, 2022).
In 1992, Brazil took a significant step towards holding the global environmental
cooperation by hosting the UN Conference on Environment and Development, known as
the Earth Summit. This event represented the adoption of important agreements such as
Agenda 21, the Convention on Biodiversity, and the UN Framework Convention on Climate
Change (UNFCCC). The UNFCCC, especially, laid the base for international cooperation in
climate change by recognizing the need for emission reductions (Santoro, 2022).
In climate change negotiations, both Brazil and China advocated for the principle of
"common but differentiated responsibilities," as mentioned in the UNFCCC. This principle
acknowledged the historical responsibility of developed nations for greenhouse gas
emissions while recognizing the shared but differentiated responsibilities of developing
countries (Santoro, 2022).
In the historical context, the trend of cooperation between China and Brazil on climate
change is on the rise. China already has a good understanding of the local situation from
its long history of political, economic and historical cooperation with Brazil, which has laid
the foundation for the positive trend of cooperation on climate change that follows.
Current Status of Climate Change Cooperation
Brazil and China jointly released a statement in April 2023 pledging to confront the
climate crisis together and acknowledge it as one of the greatest challenges of the
modern era. At their meeting in Beijing, President Xi Jinping and President Lula da Silva
agreed that combating climate change and establishing a just and prosperous global
community are crucial and important (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2024).
Both states emphasized the need to combine immediate climate responses with
conservation and cooperation to achieve sustainable development goals. They agreed to
broaden, deepen, and enrich bilateral cooperation in the field of climate change, following
the principles of the United countries Framework Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement. They also confirmed again their commitment to the
Paris Agreement's objective of limiting global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees
Celsius over pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
They also expressed determination to strengthen multilateralism and oppose
JANUS.NET, e-journal of International Relations
e-ISSN: 1647-7251
VOL 15 N.º 2, TD 1
Thematic Dossier
Brazil-China relations: The rise of modern International Order
December 2024, pp. 381-390
Climate Change and Sustainability: an Important part of Current Sino-Brazilian Relations
Chen Jianfei
386
unilateralism, emphasizing the importance of international solidarity and cooperation in
addressing climate change. In terms of concrete actions, both countries have undertaken
various joint initiatives, policies, and projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas
emissions, promoting renewable energy, and enhancing climate sustainability. These
include efforts in transitioning to sustainable and low-carbon economies, developing
smart cities, investing in green infrastructure, fostering green industries, and promoting
renewable energy sources (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2024).
Furthermore, Brazil and China are also cooperating on technology development and
sharing, particularly in monitoring forest cover through initiatives like the China-Brazil
Earth Resources Satellite Program (CBERS). They also intend to exchange knowledge and
best practices in rain forest protection, sustainable management, ecosystem
regeneration, and vegetation restoration Both countries are engaging in policy dialogues
and sharing experiences in climate financing, aiming to mobilize resources effectively and
sustainably for climate-related projects (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2024). Brazil and
China have established a subcommittee on environment and climate change under the
China-Brazil High-Level Coordination and Cooperation Committee. This will provide a
platform for continued dialogue, coordination, and joint action on climate issues (Ministry
of Foreign Affairs, 2024).
Overall, the current situation of cooperation between Brazil and China in climate change
reflects a commitment to sustainable development and international cooperation.
Challenges and Opportunities
The relationships between Brazil and China in climate change leads to both challenges
and opportunities that will shape global environmental governance in the 21st century.
One of the significant challenges is from the different approaches of past Brazilian
administrations towards environmental protection. While President Lula's holds a positive
attitude on this, like establishing the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples and proposing
Amazon-centric summits and conferences, which signifies a commitment to
environmental preservation, the legacy of former President Bolsonaro's policies did not.
Bolsonaro's unwillingness for environmental concerns and his initial withdrawal from
hosting COP25 have played a negative role on Brazil's international environmental image.
This difference within Brazil's governance creates challenges in making climate actions
(Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2023). Moreover, the competitive situation between the
United States and the European Union for global climate governance leadership intensify
external pressure on Brazil's Amazon policy. The influence from these key international
actors complicates Brazil's efforts to balance sovereignty with protective environmental
measures in the Amazon region. However, this pressure also shows an opportunity for
Brazil to establish its own leadership and engage in effective multilateral cooperation,
and its influence in global climate governance (Zhou, 2013).
On the other hand, Brazil and China share common ground in addressing climate change,
particularly in tropical rainforest protection. China also has a large range of forests and
successful experiences to protect them. Both countries have advantages in protecting
these vital ecosystems and reducing climate change. The common ground of interests
JANUS.NET, e-journal of International Relations
e-ISSN: 1647-7251
VOL 15 N.º 2, TD 1
Thematic Dossier
Brazil-China relations: The rise of modern International Order
December 2024, pp. 381-390
Climate Change and Sustainability: an Important part of Current Sino-Brazilian Relations
Chen Jianfei
387
provides a good way for cooperation, and Brazil and China can exchange their strengths
and resources to advance sustainable practices and policies.
Brazil has been formally elected as the host country for COP 30. The Minister for the
Environment and Climate Change and head of the Brazilian delegation, Marina Silva,
declared that COP 30 will be hosted in the city of Belém do Pará. It will be the first time
that the Amazon, an important biosphere for combating climate change, would host a
UNFCCC COP. This will bring new platforms and new initiatives for cooperation between
Brazil and China (XINHUANET, 2023). The risen to power of President Lula offered
opportunities for deeper cooperation between Brazil and China to navigate external
pressures and actions to protect the climate. Brazil and China are not only able to protect
tropical rainforests but also contribute significantly to global climate and sustainability.
China and Brazil should increase their cooperation and exchanges in the environmental
field. The feasibility of expanding environmental cooperation between the two countries
is high. They have many points of convergence of interests; at the same time, their
development and transformation tasks are similar, and they have the same demands for
international cooperation.
This study considers that in the future, Brazil-China cooperation in the fields of climate
change, clean and renewable energy, and green economy will push the environmental
collaboration between the two countries to a new stage. From today's perspective,
Chinese diplomacy in the current international situation shows a new development trend,
which is the gradual increase in the sense of independence and innovation. The
cooperation between China and Brazil on climate change will help strengthen the
discourse and leadership of the two countries on related issues.
Case Studies: Brazil-China cooperation in Climate Change Initiatives
Brazil and China have done significant cooperations across various sectors, reflecting a
shared commitment to environmental sustainability. This case study is into three key
efforts between the two countries in climate change, including renewable energy, forest
protection, and climate change strategies.
Case 1: Renewable Energy Research and Development
Brazil and China have been doing robust research on renewable energy since 2009,
primarily as a result of the establishment of the Brazil-China Center for Climate Change
and Energy Technology Innovation. Located in Tsinghua University and the Federal
University of Rio de Janeiro, this institute acts as an innovative existence for scientific
research and development, with a focus on the manufacture of biofuel from various oil
sources. Both countries have made great progress in the conversion of oils into renewable
liquid-form fuels through bilateral agreements and cooperative research initiatives,
demonstrating the effectiveness of cooperative efforts in creating sustainable energy
solutions and future (Paulino, 2017).
JANUS.NET, e-journal of International Relations
e-ISSN: 1647-7251
VOL 15 N.º 2, TD 1
Thematic Dossier
Brazil-China relations: The rise of modern International Order
December 2024, pp. 381-390
Climate Change and Sustainability: an Important part of Current Sino-Brazilian Relations
Chen Jianfei
388
Case 2: Wind Energy Expansion and Technology Transfer
Brazil and China have led the world in wind energy expansion during the last ten years,
contributing very significantly to the rise in installed wind capacity in both countries.
Extensive cooperation in research and development across institutional, public, and
private sectors has facilitated this expansion. Among the noteworthy projects are
partnerships in Earth observation satellite programs, which established the groundwork
for later cooperations in renewable energy technology.
While cooperations in private sector have encouraged innovation through cooperative
design projects and licensing agreements, public sector partnerships have facilitated
information sharing and technology transfer, such as the Brazil-China Center for Climate
Change and Energy Technology Innovation. These initiatives demonstrate how Brazil and
China are collaborating to advance the development of sustainable energy, wind energy
(Bae & Velasco, 2014).
Case 3: Forest Protection and Climate Change Mitigation
As demonstrated by bilateral agreements and cooperative projects, Brazil and China have
increased their cooperation in the areas of climate change, energy transition, and forest
protection in recent years. In Beijing, Minister Marina Silva made a statement highlighting
this partnership, which includes activities to combat environmental crimes, encourage
sustainable land use practices, and improve commodity traceability. In order to
accomplish the common and shared goals, both countries seek to enhance environmental
protection through technology exchanges and strategic partnerships. Their commitment
to international cooperation and group efforts in addressing global climate concerns is
further demonstrated by their signing of a joint declaration on climate action (Ministério
do Meio Ambiente e Mudança do Clima, 2023).
The case studies presented above shows us the different aspects of Brazil-China
cooperation in climate change, including renewable energy research, wind energy
expansion, and forest protection. These efforts not only show the potential for mutual
benefits but also show the important roles of international cooperation especially between
countries with large economies like Brazil and China.
Conclusion
Regarding climate change, Brazil and China have a complex relationship. This research
stated that these two powerful countries are directing the worldwide response to climate
change through the discussion of their initiatives, including renewable energy research,
wind energy, and forest protection. A major step in their joint statement of a
comprehensive strategic relationships in 2023 is Brazil and China's commitment to
solving climate change. In addition to confirming the two states’ understanding of the
importance of climate threats, the declaration asks for greater action and cooperation.
Despite the challenges from domestic politics and external pressures, such as those from
the United States and the European Union, Brazil and China have built common ground
interests in protecting vital and important ecosystems and solving climate change issues.
JANUS.NET, e-journal of International Relations
e-ISSN: 1647-7251
VOL 15 N.º 2, TD 1
Thematic Dossier
Brazil-China relations: The rise of modern International Order
December 2024, pp. 381-390
Climate Change and Sustainability: an Important part of Current Sino-Brazilian Relations
Chen Jianfei
389
Considering the future, the risen to power of President Lula offered prospects for deeper
cooperation between Brazil and China, as well as other rainforest countries, to resist
external pressures (from US or EU), protect their own goods and solve the climate change
issues. Brazil and China have the potential to not only safeguard rainforests but also
make substantial contributions to global climate change mitigation and sustainability by
improving their strategies and using multilateral platforms. The climate change of the
21st century is going to be more complex and deeper, and the cooperation between Brazil
and China can enhance the green perspective and discourse beyond the western world.
In conclusion, the complexity of Brazil-China cooperation on climate change
demonstrates both the advantages and disadvantages of international cooperation in
solving climate crisis. The relationships between Brazil and China are one of the hopes
and futures for collective action in saving the world for future generations as we deal with
the central issue of our day. The respective efforts of Brazil and China and the results of
their cooperation provide a model and template for developing countries.
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e-ISSN: 1647-7251
VOL 15 N.º 2, TD 1
Thematic Dossier
Brazil-China relations: The rise of modern International Order
December 2024, pp. 381-390
Climate Change and Sustainability: an Important part of Current Sino-Brazilian Relations
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