Brazilians Demand Climate Plans as Leading Candidates Offer Weak Programs

Overview

• The Ipsos survey published on Thursday, Sept. 17 found 91% of 1,800 Brazilians want presidential candidates to lay out plans on climate change and 87% say climate change already causes droughts, heavy rains or heat waves.
• The online survey was carried out Aug. 17–20 with a 32-question form and found broad support for government action, with 90% saying public policy should focus on environmental protection and 67% blaming companies for leading responsibility.
• An Observatório do Clima review of major campaign programs rated most as vague or weak on climate policy, highlighted Lula’s program as the most detailed and said Flávio Bolsonaro’s program does not recognize a climate emergency.
• The watchdog found no candidate program that specifically addresses El Niño, the Pacific warming that forecasters say could be strong into early 2027 and that raises risks of heat, drought and heavy floods across Brazil.
• The gap between strong voter demand and weak campaign plans matters for public safety and livelihoods because clear targets, adaptation measures and sector rules shape how fast governments and companies reduce risks and protect communities.