Fundamentos para a transição rumo a uma economia verde no Brasil

Abstract

This paper discusses the challenges and possibilities for a transition towards a green economy in Brazil. The next section presents a diagnosis of the current trends towards re-primarization of the economy and specialization in activities with a greater environmental impact. The following section presents a diagnosis of the worsening environmental conditions associated with the re-primarization discussed above. Subsequent sections discuss how green economy strategies can guide the growth strategy. To do this, however, public policies are needed, both from a microeconomic and sectoral perspective, as well as from a macroeconomic and financial perspective. It is also necessary to rethink new economic indicators for aggregate statistics and for measuring business performance. In conclusion, it is argued that the transition to a green economy creates a unique opportunity to redefine the direction of Brazilian development. To do this, however, it is necessary to redirect growth efforts, which are currently concentrated on the export model of raw materials or commodities which, to a large extent, have their competitiveness based on spurious factors, with unsustainable use of natural resources and without significant effects on social inclusion.