Green economy policies in Brazil: challenges and opportunities

Abstract

This paper discusses the possibilities and difficulties in implementing green economy policies in Brazil. It starts with a discussion about the current trend of specialization in “brown” activities, and argues that a transition towards an alternative, more sustainable development pattern requires a new competitive paradigm, with changing attitudes for both the public and private sectors. This requires new approaches for economic policy making at all levels, including macroeconomic (fiscal and monetary), regulatory and financing issues. New metrics are also necessary to evaluate how “green” the economy is. This means that the transition towards a green economy will not take place without structural reforms, changing the role of the Brazilian state and the regulatory framework for this to happen.