Читать книгу The Political Economy of the BRICS Countries - Группа авторов - Страница 67

Brazil, in the set of BRICS, is the most efficient economy. Brazil is the leading economy in South America and contains rich resources in the form of good agricultural land, mines, as well as developed manufacturing and services sectors. Its per capita income is much higher than that of China or India. Its macroeconomic policies have resulted in low inflation and low public debt. Brazil’s environmental performance is creditable, despite its constant pressure to preserve and maintain its large rainforest terrain. Its environmental efficiency value at 90% is quite good in this regard. Brazil is one of the leaders in climate negotiations by voluntarily pledging to cut emissions. The challenges Brazil face pertain to deforestation, soil degradation, oil spills, water pollution, and loss of biodiversity. In terms of social efficiency, Brazil ranked first. Brazil’s stable economic growth (until the recent slowdown) improved social welfare outcomes, and programs designed to lower inequalities have all gone well for the economy.

Brazil’s strategies to combat unsustainable development focus on the following broad areas: the transition to a knowledge society, social inclusion for solidarity, rural and urban sustainability, strategic use of natural resources like water, forests, biodiversity, and improved governability and ethics to promote sustainability. Brazil, however, does not embed its sustainability strategy as a national policy objective, though policy objectives do include economic development, social upliftment, and environmental protection. While the concept of responsibility to the future is not a central theme in its policies, the reduction of social and economic inequalities is a top priority. This is done through a twin approach. A federal agency is assigned the task of distributing free food and making compensatory redistributive policies. The government also promotes a variety of specific partnerships among civil society organizations, private sector companies, and government departments to design and support programs for poverty reduction.

In terms of selected initiatives of interest, Brazil has come up with an innovative law that defines and penalizes a set of activities dubbed as environmental crimes, which include many infractions from killing of wild animals to creating industrial pollution. Brazil is home to the largest part of the Amazon rainforest, and its destruction often catches the attention of the world simply because of the sheer magnitude of natural wealth contained in the rainforest. A special control program has been designed by the Brazilian government to limit deforestation and unauthorized exploitation. A special commission has also been set up to coordinate the sustainable development presided over by the nation’s Minister of the Environment.