The Brazilian private sector must be a hero in the fight against the climate crisis, and a sense of urgency is needed to curb global warming. Within companies, the topic should be disseminated among managers and employees, with well-defined and long-term goals. Reflections on the role of companies in climate change directed the first session of Summit ESG, an event held this week by Estadão.
This Tuesday morning, 15 representatives of JBSAnd the Sabesp e ValleyIn addition to three consultants and subject matter experts. According to Carolina Jenin, director of climate at the research institute WRI BrazilThe climate issue is also an economic issue – thus, business must go hand in hand with government in order to mitigate the problem. “The question is no longer ‘if’, but ‘when’ and ‘how’,” he said.
To Lauro Marins, Head of Consulting ESG and Climate Change – ESG Output, should be “when” now. “We need to see the processes evolve faster. We have a short lead time.” The expert warns that countries have the next few years to decarbonize the economy if they are to comply with Paris Agreement, which identified the need to contain global warming below 2°C, preferably at 1.5°C.
“It is not an option. It’s the only thing we have to do,” said Gilberto Tomazoni, global CEO of JBS. The company, one of the world’s largest food producers, promises to be net zero by 2040, a net zero greenhouse gas emissions balance. For this, one of the challenges will be to promote changes between suppliers, where most emissions are concentrated. Technology and science can join forces in this movement.
Today we monitor direct suppliers, but not indirect suppliers. Now, with the blockchain technology, we will monitor the suppliers of the suppliers,” Tomazoni added.
At Vale, one goal is to reduce net Scope 3 emissions by 15%, those related to the supplier chain and customers, by 2035, according to Hugo Barreto, director of sustainability and social investment at the miner.
To get an idea of the scale of the challenge, 586 million tons of CO2 are produced in the company’s activities and Vale expects to reduce this to 496 million tons in 2035 – this difference of 90 tons is equivalent to the total emissions in Chile. “There are a number of initiatives and stand-alone initiatives in partnership with other mining companies,” explained Vale’s Director of Sustainability and Social Investment. Pareto pointed to renewable energy projects, such as wind power, solar energy, forest protection, and cooperation with startups to develop electrified trucks.
At Sabesp, there are also measures to reduce vehicle emissions, such as the use of methane from wastewater treatment, as presented during the summit meeting by the sewage company’s communications supervisor, Fabio Torreta. Projects to clean rivers, plant trees and conserve water sources also aim to meet the need to reduce emissions and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, the global goals set by the United Nations General Assembly.
For Claudia Litt, Chief Purpose Officer at a consultancy focused on sustainability and agenda related goals ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance Aspects) It has to be part of why companies exist and spread throughout the production chain. They still need to look to the future. Claudia says the commitment should be legitimate and lasting. In terms of management, this long-term vision is essential. Leaders have the role of business as a beacon guiding where the company will be.”
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