In December 2023, Brazil officially assumed the year-long presidency of the G20 under the theme “Building a Fair World and a Sustainable Planet.” This aligns with Brazil and China’s commitment to foster sustainable development and contribute to global efforts toward a low-carbon transformation.
The two nations have recently strengthened cooperation across diverse sectors, including renewable energy, space technology, and sustainable agriculture, to promote environmental and economic sustainability. Their collaborative projects highlight the importance of international partnerships in tackling global challenges like climate change, deforestation, and food security.
Green Opportunities for Local Communities
In Rio Grande do Norte, a northeastern Brazilian state, the Gameleiras wind farm provides much-needed renewable energy to João Câmara, a city characterized by arid conditions. Completed in 2021, this project was the first entirely new wind power facility built by the Brazilian subsidiary of China’s State Grid Corporation. The wind farm generates 360 million kilowatt-hours annually, reducing CO2 emissions by 358,900 tons while creating over 2,000 local jobs.
Another notable collaboration between Brazil and China is the 180-megawatt wind project in Tanque Novo, Bahia. The project was developed by CGN Brazil Energy, a China General Nuclear Power Corporation subsidiary, and has been operational since 2023. It features 40 turbines, all manufactured in China, with a total installed capacity of 180 megawatts. The wind farm generates 720 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually to power 430,000 households while cutting CO2 emissions by 650,000 tons annually.
Andre Martini, Director of Development at CGN Brazil Energy, emphasized the benefits of this partnership, highlighting how Brazil’s wind resources are being harnessed to generate income, create jobs, and boost tax revenues. Additionally, the collaboration introduces advanced technologies and competitive Chinese products to the Brazilian market, fostering mutual benefits and technological exchange.
Luis Antonio Paulino, a professor at the Universidade Estadual Paulista, stated that renewable energy cooperation helps Brazil create a more balanced and globally significant electricity supply network. This advancement represents a critical step toward meeting the country’s sustainability goals and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Environmental Protection from Space
Beyond energy, Brazil and China have maintained a robust partnership in space exploration for 36 years, starting with the China-Brazil Earth Resources Satellite (CBERS) program in 1988. To date, the program has developed six satellites, with CBERS-4 and CBERS-4A playing critical roles in water management, urban planning, and disaster monitoring in Brazil, according to Clézio Marcos de Nardin, Director of Brazil’s National Institute for Space Research (INPE).
During severe rainfall and flooding in Rio Grande do Sul in April 2023, these satellites provided critical data that helped Brazilian authorities assess damages and guide recovery efforts. Furthermore, the partnership has been instrumental in monitoring deforestation in the Amazon, a primary environmental concern for Brazil and the global community, by providing essential data for conservation initiatives.
“This collaboration allows the Brazilian government to make informed decisions,” noted Nardin. “Thus, the satellite partnership between the two countries is essential to safeguarding our shared planet.”
In April 2023, Brazil and China deepened their space cooperation by signing two key agreements: a supplementary protocol for the development of CBERS-6 and a 2023–2032 space cooperation plan between the China National Space Administration and the Brazilian Space Agency. These agreements aim to accelerate the development of CBERS-6, advance CBERS-5 studies, and expand collaboration in lunar and deep-space exploration.
Brazil’s Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Luciana Santos, highlighted that the CBERS-6 satellite’s new synthetic aperture radar would enhance monitoring capabilities by providing precise data in all weather conditions. This radar will track forest fires, water resources, natural disasters, urban expansion, and land use, focusing on protecting Brazil’s ecosystems, notably the Amazon.
“The CBERS program is crucial for curbing deforestation in the Amazon,” said Santos. “Scientific and technological cooperation between Brazil and China benefits both nations and brings global advantages.”
Sustainable Agriculture
Brazil and China are also strengthening their collaboration in sustainable agriculture. One key example is promoting deforestation- and conversion-free (DCF) soy, cultivated without destroying forests or natural vegetation. COFCO Corporation, a major Chinese food trading company, has been at the forefront of this initiative.
Since 2019, COFCO has monitored farmland in Brazil, mapped risks, and established a “soybean traceability system” based on data provided by suppliers. The company has also trained local farmers to ensure their soybean production does not lead to deforestation. Farmers partnering with COFCO share a solid commitment to sustainability, reflected in their agricultural practices and long-term relationships with the company.
China’s significant role in global agricultural trade positions it to drive the ecological transformation of the worldwide agricultural value chain. Jack Hurd, Executive Director of the Tropical Forest Alliance at the World Economic Forum, remarked that sustainable consumption, high-quality food, and the development of the agriculture industry are inevitable trends. He expressed hope that more companies would join similar initiatives.
Furthermore, the soybean industry highlights the potential for expanding sustainable agricultural practices. Both countries are working to integrate advanced technologies into farming, improve resource efficiency, and promote long-term ecological balance.
Building a Sustainable Future Together
The deepening cooperation between Brazil and China underscores their commitment to sustainable development, which extends beyond individual projects to encompass broader environmental, technological, and economic goals. By combining Brazil’s rich natural resources and China’s technological expertise, the two nations are forging a partnership that addresses some of the most pressing challenges of our time.
From renewable energy projects powering thousands of homes to space technologies aiding environmental conservation and sustainable agricultural practices reshaping global food supply chains, this collaboration is a testament to the transformative potential of international partnerships. As Brazil leads the G20 under the banner of sustainability, the country’s joint efforts with China provide a roadmap for other nations seeking to align economic growth with ecological responsibility.