Energy governance in Brazil: meeting the international agreements on climate change mitigation

Ferraco, A.L. (2023)

Doctoral Thesis

This research delves into the decision-making processes within Brazilian energy governance, with a particular focus on its engagement with international climate change mitigation agreements. The recurrent utilization of power relations strategies in the nation's energy governance hinders the development of policies that facilitate an transition towards sustainable energy sources. The presence of monopolistic and oligopolistic practices, fuelled by crony capitalism and rent-seeking, not only shapes policy decisions but also enforces the adoption of established technologies. Furthermore, the exploration of behavioural dynamics in policymaking, as investigated through behavioural economics, sheds light on the fact that policymakers are influenced not solely by political, economic, and institutional challenges, but also by deeply ingrained personal behaviours. These behaviours wield significant influence over the decision-making processes and contribute to the prevailing inertia in the Brazilian energy sector. Brazil stands as the fifth-largest country in the world, the sixth most populous, the thirteenth highest emitter of greenhouse gases, and boasts 60 percent of the Amazon, the planet's largest forest, within its borders. These attributes position Brazil at the forefront of global climate governance efforts. An in-depth understanding and vigilant monitoring of the Brazilian context play a vital role in advancing worldwide initiatives to combat climate change.

• Brazil
• Energy governance
• Decision-making
• Police choices
• International agreements
• Climate change
• Power relations strategies
• Behavioural econimics

• All authors: Ferraco, A.L.
• Supervisor: Amann, E.
• Co-supervisor: Isla Monsalve, P.A.
• Committee: Silva, P.; Hogenboom, B.; Buve, R.T.J.; Castro, F. de
• Qualification: Doctor (dr.)
• Awarding Institution: Institute for History, Faculty of Humanities, Leiden University
• Date: 2023-11-09
• Sponsorship: LUF - Leids Universiteits Fonds