Small Businesses Key to Brazil's Sustainable Transition at COP30 Amid Policy Contradictions

At COP30 in Belém, Brazil, experts from public and private sectors underscored the indispensable role small businesses play in advancing the green economy transition. During discussions held in the Blue Zone, specialists emphasized that the path to a low-carbon future crucially "starts and ends with people," spotlighting small enterprises as vital drivers of economic inclusion and strengthened local value chains.

Bruno Quick, technical director at Sebrae, articulated the importance of adopting a sustainable development model that centers on people and territories. He described the bioeconomy as more than adaptation—a profound transformation—and noted that Sebrae has trained approximately 90,000 entrepreneurs in the past three years ahead of COP30 participation. Alice Amorim Vogas, director of COP30 programs, highlighted that reducing emissions demands collective engagement and effective training programs to foster decarbonization practices within companies.

Further complementing these perspectives, Carolina Grotera from Brazil’s Ministry of Finance shared recent partnerships with Sebrae aimed at identifying and mapping emerging production chains, such as superfoods, bioeconomy, and circular economy sectors. She also pointed to an urgent need for infrastructure investments to support sustainable growth. Sebrae’s 400 m² presence in the Green Zone showcases innovation and culture, facilitating networking among entrepreneurs and investors to spur green entrepreneurship.

However, COP30 has concurrently faced criticism for apparent policy contradictions overshadowing its climate agenda. Moysés Pinto Neto highlighted Brazil's political challenges, questioning the Lula administration’s ability to reconcile ongoing oil exploration with urgent climate imperatives. Indigenous leaders, including Davi Kopenawa and Ailton Krenak, expressed skepticism about the long-term future amid increasing deforestation and climate impacts. The event has been characterized as a "business marketplace" heavily influenced by sectors like oil, mining, and agribusiness, while Brazil approved 30 new agrochemicals, raising concerns over environmental integrity.

Despite these tensions, the voices from the Green Zone underscore a transformative opportunity: empowering small businesses and local initiatives could pave a people-centered, inclusive green economy that aligns economic development with ecological stewardship. This dual narrative at COP30 illustrates both the potential and challenges Brazil faces on its path to sustainable development.