According to Minister Alexandre Silveira, the path toward energy transition relies heavily on international dialogue - and hosting a G20 meeting in the capital of Minas Gerais will be crucial to show delegations the potential Brasil harbors in its tropical climate.
There could be no better place than the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais to hold the 3rd Energy Transition Working Group meeting, given that 99% of the state's energy matrix is renewable. Minas Gerais stands as a symbol to both Brasil and the world of what can be achieved with clean energy sources. This was highlighted by Brasil's Minister of Mines and Energy [Minas e Energia], Alexandre Silveira, at the opening of the working group's meeting in Belo Horizonte, the state capital, on Monday, the 27th.
According to the minister, the energy transition will only be possible through international dialogue. Hosting a G20 meeting in the capital of Minas Gerais will be important to showcase the potential offered by Brasil's tropical climate and fertile lands. Silveira also stressed that the "energy transition will be carried out by any means necessary." He added, "The negative effects are knocking on our door. Look at our brothers from Rio Grande do Sul suffering the devastation of their state because of climate change."
Minas' Deputy Governor Mateus Simões emphasized that the tropical perspective of the Global South must be included, as countries like Brasil need alternatives that do not increase costs for the population. "We must respect local characteristics if we want an inclusive energy transition. There are more economically viable alternatives than the electrification of our fleets, for instance, and I hope we can move forward in these discussions," said the deputy governor.
Belo Horizonte's Mayor Fuad Noman noted that the capital of Minas Gerais is known as a garden city and expressed optimism regarding the meeting. "The work of this group is of great importance to the planet - and I hope that the debate generates ideas and actions to preserve our environment," he said.
Global Governance
Carbon does not obey borders: all human beings exist in a single ecosystem. Therefore, Minister Alexandre Silveira advocated for global governance to address the energy transition, emphasizing the need to respect peace and prosperity to achieve a global balance among conflicting interests within the global energy market.
According to Silveira, there are two pillars to the issue - sustainability and economy - necessitating a balance. "Mineiros [the citizens of Minas Gerais] must not demonize mining; niobium (a metal used in the industry) is essential for the transition. The challenge is knowing how to manage it. Extraction and production must be carried out safely; companies cannot have complete freedom to act without restrictions."
In Silveira's opinion, Brasil must invest in its natural potential to generate income for its people while leaving a legacy of social and environmental preservation, positioning itself as a leader of the Global South. The G20 provides a platform for countries to seek solutions and reach agreements together.
