Is Latin America contributing to the de-carbonization of the global economy?

Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Venezuela and Colombia share more than 70% of the Latin American economy and carbon emissions. The recent trajectory (since 2000) and future perspective of emissions in each country is different. Brazil had a major reduction in the period 2005-2012 due to dramatic decrease in deforestation, but is now in a major economic, political and moral crisis that undermines climate policy.

Mexico has had a limited increase in the whole period, but in spite of government rhetoric, emissions growth likely will not diminish in the foreseeable future. Venezuela and Argentina has had a dramatic increase between 2000 and 2011 and there is not commitment with climate policies. Colombia has had a significant increase, even if departing from very low per capita emissions.

Four countries have not contributed to the de-carbonization of the global economy. The Brazilian contribution was relevant but related to extremely irrational emissions (deforestation in the Amazon) and its policies in the modern economy sectors (energy, transportation and agri-business) have not been climate friendly.     

About Eduardo Viola
Eduardo Viola is Professor at the Institute of International Relations, University of Brasilia and Coordinator of the Brazilian Research Network on Climate Change and International Relations. He has been researching and publishing on Brazilian and international politics of climate change for more than two decades.