A debate in Rio de Janeiro brought together players from national industry to discuss new production models that can generate green and fair jobs and the decarbonization of the national economy
The Brazilian Network for the Integration of Peoples (Rebrip) gathered together researchers, representatives from workers’ movements, civil society and government bodies to discuss the challenges and opportunities for the development of a modern, sustainable industry that can generate jobs in Brazil. “There are already more sustainable technologies and an increasing improvement, with new solutions being considered. However, we need public policies, financing mechanisms, the consumer market and society in general to be aware and structured in order to pressure and direct the industry towards a more sustainable path,” explains Victoria Santos, of iCS.
Graciela Rodriguez, from the Ecos Institute, believes that the country needs an industry that thinks about the decarbonization of the economy and technological innovation, which is an area in which it is extremely disadvantaged after six years without investment in universities and research. She says there are many opportunities for a clean industry despite all the challenges.
The Agreement of the European Union with Mercosur could be an obstacle to this change, at least if it is signed as it currently stands. “We will have to make a significant transition from the production point of view, which has to do with technological changes, with the climate issue and with the ways of producing and using energy in production. However, the currently proposed Agreement brings a colonial project to the center of the debate, in which the Mercosur countries enter supplying raw materials and Europe with services, industrialized products, and cutting-edge technology, etc. Is this the development that we want? Is this the development that our European partners want for Latin America?” asks Adhemar Mineiro, from Rebrip.
See the report in full on Rede TVT.
Participants in the Brazilian Reindustrialization event: challenges and opportunities. Credit: Photo Rebrip
