Carbon Free Summit and the role of agriculture in decarbonization

On July 24, 2025, I took part in the Carbon Free Summit, held at Cubo Itaú in São Paulo. With the theme “Decarbonization now: the future cannot wait”, the event brought together an audience committed not only to understanding the scale of the climate challenge but, more importantly, to accelerating solutions.

I left with an even stronger conviction that our agricultural and livestock activities cannot be left out of this agenda — and, going further, will be an essential part of the solution. I saw different sectors talking about measuring, acting, connecting with suppliers, and communicating effectively both inside and outside their industries. Sounds very similar to what we’ve been saying in our own field, doesn’t it? Below, I share some of the points that stood out to me the most.

The climate bill has already arrived

Carlos Nobre closed the event and went straight to the point: the data shows that we have already surpassed the 1.5 °C increase in average global temperature. We still don’t know if this is definitive, but the threshold has already been crossed. In January 2024, we reached 1.74 °C. Global warming is no longer a projection — it is a reality. Along with it come extreme events, economic losses, and risks that affect all sectors, with agriculture and livestock being particularly vulnerable.

The good news, as Carlos Nobre emphasized, is that Brazil has everything it takes to turn this around by 2040 and achieve net-zero emissions in our country. We have land, technology, and an essential role in food production and environmental restoration. But this requires action — and, as he said, the opportunity is in the hands of our generation.

The price (and the value) of carbon

It was mentioned that every additional 0.1 °C in global temperature costs Brazil around R$ 5.6 billion per year. That figure speaks for itself. The carbon market was widely discussed at the event. To me, it became clear that this market plays a role as a tool for positive differentiation and as an incentive for swift action, especially from private companies. Those who measure consistently, reduce, and provide proof will attract investment. Those who do not follow these steps will be left out of the game.

Measuring is like checking the farm’s cash flow

An analogy shared during the event really stuck with me: working on a carbon inventory or product carbon footprint just once a year is like closing your eyes to the farm’s cash flow and only evaluating it at the end of the year. It’s risky, inefficient, and if the results are bad, the time to act will already have passed.

We need to integrate emissions data into our daily routine, with platforms that allow us to track targets month by month and adjust course intelligently. At ESGpec, we have been investing precisely in this. In fact, this was one of the reflections that made me realize we are on the right path: bringing to livestock farming the same metrics, resources, and technologies already used by sectors more advanced in the ESG agenda.

Scope 3 and the value chain: no one does anything alone

Engie, Natura, Renault, RD Saúde, among others, shared how they are engaging their suppliers in the climate transition. What stood out to me was how simple actions (training, maturity assessments, and providing suppliers with platforms for inventories) are making a real difference at the supplier base.

Natura, for example, is automating data collection for its inventory. Engie, on the other hand, requires its strategic partners to have inventories within two years, as part of a signed commitment to a decarbonization plan. The message is clear: measuring Scope 3 is essential. And to achieve that, we need to engage in dialogue with those at the base of the value chain.

Regenerative livestock farming: lower emissions, higher productivity

Agriculture and livestock account for 20 to 25% of Brazil’s total emissions, mainly due to land-use change. There are alternatives, such as regenerative models that increase productivity per hectare, reduce emissions, and make farms more resilient to climate events.

Antônio Gilberto, from Bayer, shared a figure that reinforces this point: while the average carbon footprint of Brazilian soy is 1,450 kg CO₂/ton (according to Embrapa), highly efficient producers can reach as low as 250 kg CO₂/ton. This shows the importance of knowing our own numbers — the footprint of our products — instead of relying exclusively on international databases.

The time is now, and we can lead

It was inspiring to hear so many experiences, challenges, and solutions. But even more inspiring was hearing Carlos Nobre highlight agriculture — including dairy — as part of the solution.

This transformation requires data, engagement, public policies, and above all, courage. We are living through the decisive decade. We have everything it takes to transform Brazilian livestock farming and contribute to global impact.

We move forward together on this journey.