Since the signing of the Paris Agreement in 2015, which defined greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets, climate change has been at the center of the agenda of governments, the market and society. This is a challenge that involves and impacts not only the environment and society as a whole, but the very survival of businesses.

The international treaty signed during the 21st Conference of the Parties also presents targets for reducing Greenhouse Gas emissions. When it was proposed at the United Nations meeting, the document was adopted by 196 member countries and came into force in November 2016. The challenge, however, is still the implementation of the proposed initiatives, especially when we talk about limiting the advancement of average temperature and contain the increase in Earth's temperature.

Currently, Brazil is the sixth largest emitter of Greenhouse Gases. We are a nation with a different profile compared to the other countries on the list. We have a mostly renewable energy matrix, one of the few in the world, and an immense potential to explore other green sources, such as wind, solar, ethanol, hydrogen, as well as biogas and biomethane.

The sugar-energy operation is undergoing a gradual transformation into a biorefinery. The challenge of building a more sustainable future is present in the sector's DNA, from strategic planning to relationships with the community and other stakeholders. Moving consistently towards a low-carbon economy is a consolidated trend in different sectors. This is a worthwhile effort for the common good. We all win.

The change of route necessarily involves investment in renewable energy. At UISA, for example, we formed Uisa Geo Bio Gas and Carbon for the construction of an agro-industrial waste biodigestion unit. The plant, which will be the first biogas and biomethane plant in the state of Mato Grosso, with an estimated investment of 250 million reais, will have the capacity to produce approximately 11 million Normal Cubic Meters per year. This will be partially used to replace diesel in our agricultural fleet. The surplus will be sold.

Another path to be developed, globally, is the nutrition market and production of ethanol derivatives. Here, we talk about fundamental points, such as investment in regenerative agriculture and business circularity. For this, preservation is key. Companies need to develop programs that positively impact socio-biodiversity, considering location and traditional surrounding communities.

In this context, successful experiences are important for us to evolve. We learn together. The sugar-energy sector has established sustainability strategies, which provide guidelines to minimize business risk and, mainly, the development of actions on the environmental, social and corporate governance agenda, which are broken down into several goals and commitments, as is the case with NetZero. This Greenhouse Gas neutralization planning is fundamental.

However, it must be carried out based on science, in order to maintain the increase in the global average temperature between 1.5 and 2 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels, in accordance with the Paris Agreement. We need to neutralize it without falling into the greenwashing that consists of false disclosure about sustainability.

Three decades ago, UISA became self-sufficient in electrical energy, generated from a 100% renewable source: sugarcane biomass. This year, we made significant progress towards decarbonization and, after becoming one of the signatories of the United Nations Global Compact, we committed to being Net Zero by 2035, according to the Science-Based Targets guidelines.

Ultimately, we understand that it is essential to align economic interests with sustainable ones. One does not exist without the other. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency, the bioenergy sector could represent a quarter of the total supply of primary energy by 2050.

The great transformation that the world is experiencing requires a new look and new practices in the relationship with natural resources and forms of production , from the production chain to the final consumer. We continue on this path. There is still a lot to do for a greener world. This is a long and collective journey, but we have already taken the first steps.