This chapter provides a snapshot of key environmental trends in Brazil, highlighting some of the main achievements and remaining challenges on the path towards sustainable development and a greener economy. It reviews progress against national policy goals and international commitments, focusing on the period since 2000. Beginning with an overview of key socio-economic developments, the chapter presents Brazil’s progress in moving towards i) an energy-efficient and low-carbon economy; ii) resource efficiency in material consumption, waste management and agro-chemical use; and iii) sustainable management of the natural asset base, including forests, biodiversity and water resources.

Brazil has developed comprehensive and advanced environmental legislative framework and institutional arrangements. The country’s economic and social heterogeneity and decentralised federal system, however, generate significant implementation challenges. This chapter analyses the Brazilian environmental governance system, including horizontal and vertical co-ordination mechanisms and environment authorities’ budgets. It reviews the regulatory framework for air, water and waste management and for addressing climate change, as well as for environmental impact assessment and permitting. Enforcement and compliance assurance are discussed. The chapter also assesses progress in promoting public participation in decision making and access to environmental information, education and justice.

In Brazil, economic growth is inseparable from sustainable use of natural resources, poverty alleviation and better access to essential services. This chapter presents Brazil’s progress in mainstreaming environmental concerns into economic and sectoral policies to green its economy on the path to sustainable development. It examines the use of tax policy to pursue environmental objectives and progress in removing subsidies and other incentives that can encourage environmentally harmful activities. The chapter analyses public and private investment in environment-related infrastructure such as that for water and sanitation, waste, clean energy and transport. It reviews the promotion of environmental technologies, goods and services as a source of economic growth and jobs. The role of Brazil as both a recipient and provider of environment-focused development co-operation is also discussed.