President Michel Temer reinforced Brazil's commitment to preserving the environment this World Environment Day (June 5) by signing a decree officially publicizing the Paris Agreement in Brazil. With the act, the agreement becomes part of Brazilian law.

“Brazil will make its contribution, and live up to its responsibility. We know that climate change is a real problem, and we have to tackle it systematically and vigorously. Its effects are already felt in Brazil and in the world," said the president after signing the decree.

The Paris Agreement was approved by the 195 signatory countries to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UFCC) in 2015. Its goal is to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and foster sustainable development.

The signatory countries have committed to keep global average temperatures at less than 2 °C above pre-industrial levels and make efforts to limit temperatures to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels.

Temer initially ratified the agreement in September last year by signing an official document through which the Brazilian government committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 37% by 2025 and 43% by 2030 (using 2005 as the baseline).

Environment Minister Sarney Filho, who also attended the event, expressed concern over the United States' withdrawal from the agreement last week.

“We have shown the world that Brazil's commitment to the Accord's implementation remains unabated. I reiterate my deep concern about the recent decision by the United States government to withdraw from the Paris Agreement," he said.

National Parks

Brazil now has 347,000 hectares of protected areas in the Cerrado, Atlantic Forest, Amazon and Marine Coastal biomes. In an event to celebrate World Environment Day, President Michel Temer signed a decree expanding three federal protected areas and creating a new national park.

According to the president, the measures show the government's environmental responsibility. “We walk the path of sustainability. This is our duty to all Brazilians. This is also our commitment to present and future generations," he said.

The decrees expand the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park (state of Goiás), the Taim Ecological Station (state of Rio Grande do Sul) and the União Biological Reserve (state of Rio de Janeiro). Listed by the Unesco as a World Heritage Site, the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park has been increased from 65,000 to 240,000 hectares, which will contribute to the preservation of the Cerrado and help expand economic activity (such as ecotourism) in the region.