Lula Champions Tropical Forest Protection and Launches New Foreign Policy at COP31

At the COP31 conference in Antalya, Turkey, President Lula of Brazil took a prominent stand on environmental leadership and global cooperation. Though affected by hoarseness, Lula had the Minister of Environment, João Paulo Capobianco, deliver his speech at the Forest Leaders Summit, where he underscored the critical need for political will, financial investment, and international collaboration to protect tropical forests. Highlighting Brazil's efforts, he noted a dramatic 71% reduction in deforestation in the Amazon and nearly 50% in the Cerrado, attributing these successes to intensified conservation measures such as the establishment of protected areas and the formal recognition of indigenous lands. He emphasized that approximately 50 million people living in the Amazon stand to benefit from sustainable, bioeconomic development approaches.

A centerpiece of Lula’s environmental advocacy was the presentation of the Tropical Forests Forever Fund (TFFF), a financial mechanism designed to reward countries for maintaining their forest ecosystems. The fund has already mobilized $7.8 billion, with commitments from 66 countries and the European Union. Alongside Brazil, Congo and Indonesia—key parties to the 'United by Forests' declaration—are jointly combating deforestation with a shared goal of zero deforestation by 2030.

In addition to environmental initiatives, Lula inaugurated Brazil’s new foreign policy model, termed 'Foreign Policy 4.0,' emphasizing the centrality of science and multilateralism in addressing global challenges. At COP31, he urged wealthy nations to assume their responsibilities in mitigating climate change, issuing pointed critiques of the extreme right and the United States, thereby reinforcing Brazil’s commitment to progressive international engagement.

Lula’s remarks at COP31 reflect a determined agenda that couples domestic environmental successes with global diplomatic efforts, prioritizing forest preservation and international cooperation as cornerstones of Brazil’s leadership role on the world stage.