This study brings evidence showing that Brazil is ready to adopt a new climate economy, without disrupting important sectors, by applying existing technologies, laws, or bills pending approval. This approach will simultaneously reduce emissions and grow the economy.

A staggering one-third of all agricultural landscapes are now degraded, mostly in developing countries, and a net 12 million hectares (ha) continue to be degraded yearly. But commitment to change is growing. The report highlights significant regional achievements being implemented, such as Initiative 20×20, through which seven Latin American countries and partners have pledged to bring 20 million ha of land into restoration by 2020, and the Africa Climate-Smart Agriculture Alliance, which aims to engage 6 million smallholders by 2021. 

There is significant further potential for simultaneously promoting economic growth and improving ecosystem protection within Brazil’s rural landscape. This report shows substantial improvements are already underway but better-functioning markets and policies can boost the pace of change and help the country to realize latent land use efficiency gains 

This technical note sets out the analysis underpinning the emission reduction recommendations of the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate’s 2015 report. It explains baseline scenarios and the estimate of the emissions required for a 2C pathway.