Do You Know the Connection Between the Recently Approved “Brazilian Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading System (SBCE)” and Satellites?

At first glance, there may not appear to be a direct connection between the two. However, the recently instituted Brazilian Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading System (SBCE), established under Law No. 15,042, dated December 11, 2024, creates a regulated market for trading assets related to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Brazil. For the SBCE to function effectively, precise monitoring of GHG emissions and removals is critical, particularly in relation to forests, which act as significant carbon sinks.

The efficiency of this system depends heavily on accurate mechanisms for monitoring and verifying GHG emissions and removals, where satellites play a crucial role. Satellites provide essential data for large-scale environmental monitoring, enabling continuous and detailed observation of various phenomena related to GHG emissions.

One of the primary contributors to carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions in Brazil is the loss of vegetation cover. In this context, satellites play a pivotal role by using advanced sensors to monitor changes in forest cover and identify areas affected by deforestation or degradation. The data collected by these systems is vital for implementing public policies aimed at reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, such as initiatives under the REDD+ program (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation).

Additionally, agriculture holds significant importance in the GHG cycle, acting both as a source of emissions and as a sink for these gases. In this scenario, satellites are invaluable tools for monitoring agricultural practices, land use, and vegetation health. Through these technologies, accurate data can be generated to estimate both emissions and removals of GHGs in the agricultural sector, supporting the development of more sustainable and effective strategies for agricultural management and environmental conservation.

The connection between the SBCE and satellites, therefore, lies in the satellites' ability to provide reliable and detailed data on forests and land-use dynamics. This information is crucial for the SBCE to operate effectively, ensuring that emissions are accurately monitored and that GHG reductions or removals are transparently and effectively verified.

Sources Consulted:

BRASIL. Lei nº 15.042, de 11 de dezembro de 2024. Institui o Sistema Brasileiro de Comércio de Emissões de Gases de Efeito Estufa (SBCE); e altera as Leis nºs 12.187, de 29 de dezembro de 2009, 12.651, de 25 de maio de 2012 (Código Florestal), 6.385, de 7 de dezembro de 1976 (Lei da Comissão de Valores Mobiliários), e 6.015, de 31 de dezembro de 1973 (Lei de Registros Públicos). Disponível em: https://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/_Ato2023-2026/2024/Lei/L15042.htm. Acesso em: 23 jan. 2025.

MINISTÉRIO DA FAZENDA. Congresso Nacional aprova lei que estabelece o Sistema Brasileiro de Comércio de Emissões de Gases de Efeito Estufa. Disponível em: https://www.gov.br/fazenda/pt-br/assuntos/noticias/2024/novembro/congresso-nacional-aprova-lei-que-estabelece-o-sistema-brasileiro-de-comercio-de-emissoes-de-gases-de-efeito-estufa. Acesso em: 23 jan. 2025.

SENADO FEDERAL. Sancionada lei que regula mercado de carbono no Brasil. Disponível em: https://www12.senado.leg.br/noticias/materias/2024/12/12/sancionada-lei-que-regula-mercado-de-carbono-no-brasil. Acesso em: 23 jan. 2025.