ABSTRACT

Climate change is increasingly a part of the human experience. As the problem worsens, the cooperative dilemma that the issue carries has become evident: climate change is a complex problem that systematically gets insufficient answers from the international system.

This book offers an assessment of Brazil’s role in the global political economy of climate change. The authors, Eduardo Viola and Matías Franchini expertly review and answer the most common and widely cited questions on whether and in which way Brazil is aggravating or mitigating the climate crisis, including: Is it the benign, cooperative, environmental power that the Brazilian government claims it is? Why was it possible to dramatically reduce deforestation in the Amazon (2005-2010) and, more recently, was there a partial reversion? 

The book provides an accessible—and much needed—introduction to all those studying the challenges of the international system in the Anthropocene. Through a thorough analysis of Brazil in perspective vis a vis other emerging countries, this book provides an engaging introduction and up to date assessment of the climate reality of Brazil and a framework to analyze the climate performance of major economies, both on emission trajectory and policy profile: the climate commitment approach. Brazil and Climate Change is essential reading for all students of Environmental Studies, Latin American Studies, International Relations and Comparative Politics.

chapter |37 pages

Climate change and international relations

An empirical and theoretical assessment

chapter |40 pages

Brazil in the international system

Underachieving (environmental) power and the leadership myth

chapter |25 pages

The beginning

Brazil, the climate villain

chapter |32 pages

The rising

Brazil, the developing climate leader?

chapter |38 pages

The decline

Brazil, the climate-negligent

chapter |33 pages

The future

Brazil and the bases for true climate leadership