11 August 2021

3 minute read

South America

JBS CEO Gilberto Tomazoni joined Alok Sharma, President Designate of COP26, Gonzalo Munoz, high level champion for climate action at the United Nations Conference on Climate Change and Mr Peter Wilson, UK Ambassador to Brazil to outline JBS’ commitment to the Race to Zero Brazil.

At a high-level meeting hosted by the UK Embassy and facilitated by Talanoa, a think tank dedicated to Brazilian climate policy, Mr Tomazoni joined Ms Marina Grossi, President of the Brazilian Business Council for Sustainable Development (CEBDS) and other representatives of the Brazilian private sector who are leading the initiative.

Speaking at the meeting, Tomazoni emphasised that agriculture can and will be part of the climate solution. He outlined JBS’ Net Zero 2040 and COP26 ambition. He said; “JBS is a global company, with customers in 190 countries and operations in 20 locations worldwide.

We have a close-up view of how many developed countries are committing to measures to address the climate crisis. It is clear all actions are worthwhile! But it is important to remember that much of what has been proposed by these countries has already been adopted by Brazil and has been in place for many years – for example the search for a clean and renewable energy matrix.

If we accept that the main challenge we now face is how to supply the world's growing population of vital items – such as food, energy and clothing – without further sacrificing our planet, Brazil's role is crucial! We are one of the few countries in the world capable of producing and preserving at the same time.

Of course, Brazil still has a lot to do. We have a lot to improve on. In particular, in the fight against deforestation. That's undeniable. We also need to leverage our regenerative agriculture. There are already solutions in the field to expand production and sequester carbon. We must scale these initiatives and invest in new technologies to keep moving forward.

JBS is committed to leading the way. Investing in research and development as part of our commitment to be Net Zero by 2040.

COP26 can help us by sharing the challenges and solutions for increasingly regenerative agriculture. In addition, it can contribute to the mission of ensuring that we do not leave small producers behind.

In my view, the first step is to make the world more aware of actions underway by the Brazilian private sector to solve the climate crisis. In particular, Brazil's agribusiness’ ability to supply the world and tackle global warming.

This would be a major strategic action of COP26. Recognise that Brazilian agriculture is part of the climate solution and give voice to this sector in Glasgow. Everyone would have a lot to gain from that.”