Lula's victory could boost LatAm commitments at COP27

Left-leaning Latin American governments could deepen their commitments to climate action during this month’s COP27 summit following the victory of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brazil’s presidential runoff, according to the CEO of the World Resources Institute (WRI) Ani Dasgupta.

“Lula’s administration wants to focus on climate issues and protection of the Amazon,” Dasgupta said during a conference call in response to a question by BNamericas on the expectations regarding the conference that will take place in Egypt between November 6 and November 18.

Lula, who won on a platform that included increased climate action and environmental issues, will participate in the summit, Gleisi Hoffman, the head of Lula's Workers Party, told Reuters, although the specific date still hasn’t been announced.

Colombia’s Gustavo Petro will also travel to Egypt. He plans to request the creation of an Amazon Bloc, including Brazil, whose environmental policies were weakened during Jair Bolsonaro’s term. 

“The signs are relatively positive so let’s see what happens,” Dasgupta said, highlighting Colombia’s current focus on environmental and human rights, although new announcements are not guaranteed.

Chile’s environment minister Maisa Rojas previously said the country’s main goal at COP27 will be mediating, alongside Germany, putting the loss and damage item on the agenda. 

Dasgupta said that the main expectations surrounding COP27 will be focused on accountability regarding commitments adopted at last year’s summit, solidarity between countries and innovation to draft solutions with participation of public and private actors.

During a previous WRI press call, it was speculated that Chile and Colombia could present new climate goals depending on the results of the Brazil runoff.