Natural resources are essential to Brazil’s development: it is among the major global agricultural, minerals and oil producers, and hydropower generates most of its electricity. Protected areas extend over a large part of the country and deforestation in the Amazon has dropped remarkably, which in turn has helped curb greenhouse gas emissions.
However, economic growth and urban, agricultural and infrastructure expansion have also meant increased energy and resource use and consequent environmental pressures. Quality and coverage of environmental services need to be further improved. While Brazil’s environmental laws are stringent, implementation and enforcement gaps persist.
OECD Environmental Performance Reviews (EPRs) provide evidence-based analyses and assessments of countries’ progress towards their environmental policy objectives.
www.oecd.org/environment/country-reviews
