The Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services (MDIC) has a new Secretary for Green Economy, Decarbonization, and Bioindustry (SEV). Julia Cruz (pictured) was officially appointed on Wednesday (July 2) through publication in the Federal Official Gazette. She succeeds Rodrigo Rollemberg, who stepped down to take office in the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies.

“It is a great privilege to join a secretariat that, though recently created, has already achieved significant legislative milestones, such as the carbon market, green hydrogen, offshore wind power, and the fuel of the future,” said Julia. “Now, the focus is on regulating and implementing the seeds that have already been planted,” she added.

Created by Vice President and MDIC Minister Geraldo Alckmin, the SEV is responsible for proposing, implementing, and evaluating public policies that integrate decarbonization strategies for productive sectors, promoting the bioindustry in Brazil, and developing value chains across Brazil’s biomes and the Amazon region, among other priorities the new secretary plans to carry forward.

Julia has worked in the sustainability field during her time in the Chamber of Deputies, where she served as Chief of Staff to Congresswoman Tabata Amaral (PSB-SP), as well as in collaboration with international organizations.

“My experience is very focused on Brazilian practices, although I’ve also seen how they are reflected in various aspects of Brazil’s position in the world,” she noted. “Sustainability is not just an environmental issue—it’s also social. If it doesn’t work for people, it won’t work for the environment either,” she argued.

She believes that issues related to the green economy present an opportunity for Brazil to take on a greater leadership role on the global stage.

“Brazil has always been a key player in environmental matters, going back to the 1992 Earth Summit, where it positioned itself as a pioneer,” she recalled. “On one hand, we have a large share of the world’s natural resources, tremendous biogenetic diversity, the Amazon itself, and the so-called Blue Amazon. On the other, Brazil seeks to build bridges with both developed and developing countries to advance this global agenda,” she explained.

On the international front, Julia Cruz has worked with the United Nations (UN), the Organization of American States (OAS), and Conectas Human Rights, engaging with both the Brazilian federal government and international organizations. She also has experience with the Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV).

Julia holds a master’s degree in Law and International Law from both Harvard Law School and the University of São Paulo (USP). She has developed sustainability projects for academia and civil society, working in various contexts with development banks (NDB, IDB, BNDES) and international organizations (UN, OAS, OECD).