Sustainable development is the model that provides integration between the economy, society and the environment.  In other words, it is the notion that economic growth must take social inclusion and environmental protection into account.

Waste Management

Waste is still one of the main challenges for governments in the field of sustainable management.  However, in the last decade, Brazil took an important step towards the correct management of solid waste.  According to data from the Ministry of the Environment, from 2000, only 35% of waste was destined for landfills.

In 2008 this number increased to 58%.  Additionally, the number of selective collection programs increased from 451, in 2000, to 994, in 2008. 

To regulate collection and treatment of urban, dangerous and industrial waste, aside from determining the correct final destination for waste, the Brazilian Government created the National Policy for Solid Waste (Law no. 12.305/10), approved in August 2010. 

To learn more about waste management in Brazil, visit the Ministry of the Environment page (portuguese).

Carbon Credits

In the carbon market, each ton of carbon that is prevented from being emitted is transformed in credit, which can be negotiated freely between countries or companies. 

The system works like a stock market, only instead of the purchasing and sale of stock measured in money, they are worth carbon credits. 

To this end, the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is used, which provides for the certified reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.  Once the certification is obtained, those who reduce the emission of polluting gases have the right to commercialize the credits obtained. 

For example, a country that reduced its emissions and accumulated many credits could sell the credits to another country that is emitting many pollutants and needs to compensate for its emissions. 

Brazil is third in the ranking of countries participating in this market, with around 5% of the global total and 268 projects. 

Learn more about how the carbon credit market (portuguese) works and how calculations are made.

Learn more about the Brazilian actions regarding Sustainable Development.