Marina Silva’s accomplishments appear almost miraculous. Since returning as Brazil’s environment and climate minister in 2023, the nation has swiftly reversed deforestation through strict enforcement of environmental regulations neglected by her predecessor. Recent data from last fall indicates Amazon deforestation reached its lowest point in a decade, nearly halving in 2023 alone compared to the previous year.
“When we assumed office, deforestation was escalating uncontrollably,” she stated on April 30. “We needed to rebuild institutions, command and control organizations, and increase public funding.”
However, during our meeting in Brasília, she cautioned against complacency. The Amazon rainforest is dangerously close to a tipping point that could drastically alter the rainforest and the entire planet. Once this point is reached, the Amazon will lose its ability to sustain itself, transforming into savannah, causing biodiversity loss and a massive carbon dioxide release. To prevent this, leaders must adopt new strategies to halt legal deforestation and boost reforestation efforts while maintaining current enforcement. Moreover, saving the Amazon requires global action to reduce fossil fuel emissions.
“Even if we eliminate deforestation, climate change and continued fossil fuel emissions will still destroy the forest,” she warned.
For Silva, who grew up in the Amazonian state of Acre as part of a rubber-tapping family, this represents the next phase in her lifelong dedication to Amazon protection. It also marks a crucial moment for Brazil as it leads the climate movement, hosting the annual U.N. climate conference, COP30, in November.
“We’re at the edge of the climate crisis, nearing a critical shift,” she emphasized. “The window to stay below the 1.5-degree limit is now extremely narrow.”
Even a seasoned climate expert would find it difficult to keep track of all the climate-related activities happening in Brazil in preparation for COP30. Brazilian President Lula has prioritized climate action, engaging ministers across the government. Silva has transformed her ministry into a central hub for these efforts.
During my visit, the government announced a $2 billion program to reforest up to 1 million hectares of degraded Amazon land. Additionally, Silva has intensified her collaboration with the finance ministry on a $125 billion fund to protect tropical forests worldwide. Besides the rainforest initiatives, the government has introduced a carbon price for domestic industries and is exploring ways to harmonize similar policies with other nations.
Silva hopes these efforts will converge at COP30, making it a turning point for implementing climate initiatives globally. She envisions COP30 as a “global ethical stocktake,” where Lula and U.N. Secretary General will engage various stakeholders—from philosophers to Indigenous people to political leaders—to develop a plan for implementing climate solutions. “We can’t keep postponing action,” she insisted. “We need to implement.”
This year’s climate negotiations will undoubtedly face numerous challenges, particularly the U.S.’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. Silva openly criticized the Trump Administration’s decisions, including exiting the Paris Agreement and halting the National Climate Assessment, stating that they created a significant gap in necessary climate action: “Things have become more difficult, especially with the decisions of the Trump Administration.”
My Brasília visit coincided with a key BRICS meeting, where emerging market countries cooperate as a counterweight to U.S. and European influence. I saw the Chinese foreign minister and other country delegations at my hotel. However, Silva stressed that the actions of other countries cannot compensate for the U.S.’s inaction. “We can’t deny the realities of geopolitics or climate,” she stated. “The vacuum created by the U.S. remains the U.S.’s responsibility.”
She cited geopolitical challenges when addressing criticisms of Lula’s climate leadership. Despite his focus on the issue, some environmental activists argue that he is not acting quickly enough. A primary concern is new oil exploration in the Amazon. Silva responded by highlighting the current high oil demand and strained supply. The U.S.’s stance has created a global perception that fossil fuels will remain relevant for some time.
She advocates for a well-managed transition. “I support a fair, planned transition for everyone,” she explained. “It’s not a magical solution.” COP30, under Brazil’s leadership, offers a suitable starting point for implementing such a transition.
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