US and Brazil agree reforestation and climate change deal

• 8 years ago (2015-07-02)
• Junior Isles

Asia 848 North America 998 Renewables 751

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In a bilateral meeting on Tuesday, the US and Brazil agreed to obtain up to 20 per cent of their electricity from renewable power by 2030, alongside a declaration from Brazil to restore up to 12 million hectares of forest – an area the size of England – to further reduce carbon pollution.

White House representatives said that the deal was based on the historic US-China agreement made in November, which, together with this latest deal, is intended to build momentum for a global deal to fight climate change.

US President Barack Obama said: “Following progress during my trips to China and India, this shows that the world’s major economies can begin to transcend some of the old divides and work together to confront the common challenge that we face.”

Brazilian President Rousseff said: "As countries that are as vast as continents, we have this very important greenhouse gas target... we attach a great deal of importance to reducing [deforestation]... and we also wish to turn the page and engage in a clear-cut reforestation-orientated policy."

As part of the joint pledge, the US will be required to triple its production of wind, solar and other renewables, whereas Brazil will seek to double its production of clean energy.