Belém at the Center of the World: Brazil's Role in the Climate Agenda

In this episode of Sala de Estratégia, Hadassa welcomes Guilherme, director of ESRI and editor of Relações Exteriores magazine, and Mayane Bento, professor at the State University of Pará and coordinator of the Amazon COP Observatory, to discuss Brazil's role in the global climate agenda. Mayane coordinates the Amazon COP Observatory and closely monitors the preparations and opening days of the event. Even prior to the official opening, the city was already filled with side events, including concerts, conferences, and debates. Along with this surge in activity, contradictions have also become increasingly apparent. The central question explored throughout the episode is whether Brazil can genuinely lead the climate agenda while grappling with its own contradictions. How can the country champion an energy transition while simultaneously exploring for oil in the Amazon? How can it call for changes from other nations without implementing domestic reforms? The discussion also covers who is truly being heard, highlighting the exclusion of Indigenous peoples from official negotiations and the prominent presence of major corporations. Furthermore, it addresses the risk that Belém will simply return to business as usual after the event concludes, rather than becoming a lasting hub for environmental dialogue. The episode addresses topics ranging from event logistics to climate finance negotiations, while examining energy policy and the social impacts of large-scale infrastructure projects across the Amazon. Originally broadcast in Portuguese by Relações Exteriores: https://relacoesexteriores.com.br/belem-no-centro-do-mundo-o-papel-do-brasil-na-agenda-climatica/