Brazil has dramatically unveiled an offer to make deep cuts in its carbon emissions at the climate change negotiations in Copenhagen, it has emerged.

 

The country, one of the largest developing economies, will offer a voluntary reduction of between 38% and 42% by 2020, its chief of staff said on 10 November.

 

Dilma Rousseff told The Guardian that the offer was a 'political gesture' aimed at pressing rich nations into agreeing to large cuts in carbon.

 

'We still believe that the responsibility belongs to the developed countries,' Ms Rousseff told the paper after a climate change meeting in Sao Paolo. She said the reductions were voluntary, and not binding 'targets', which she said should only be set for developed countries with higher emissions.

 

Ms Rousseff also indicated that half of Brazil's proposed cuts would come from a reduction in deforestation, while the remaining 20% related to industry and farming.

 

The move shows leadership, which could have a powerful impact on the negotiations. 'We are already an example to the world. But the fact that we are going to announce a significant objective does not mean we do not know that the responsible ones are the developed countries,' Ms Rousseff said.

 

Brazil's official position for the Copenhagen talks is expected to be announced before this weekend. Brazilian negotiators are already expected to announce plans to cut by 80% by 2020.

 

Ms Rousseff is set to travel to Copenhagen next month to lead the Brazilian climate change delegation.

 

Related links

Brazil pledges deep emission cuts in 'political  gesture' to rich nations, Guardian 10 November 2009