Formulating Nationally Determined Contributions in Brazil: Procedural Decisions and Governance Challenges

Abstract

This research examines the administrative process of implementing the obligations under Article 4(2) of the Paris Agreement by Brazilian public authorities. The aim is to analyze in micro level perspective the policy-making process, describing the interactions between participants, the action situation, and its outcomes. To do this, we employ a case study approach where we compare the procedural rules outlined in the Paris Agreement and its rulebook with the implementing choices observed in administrative processes accessed through public information access laws. The results reveal significant discretion in the process of formulating Brazil's nationally determined contributions, varying depending on the government in power at different moments. In conclusion, we hypothesize the influence of the absence of legal procedural standards in the NDC formulation process and the accusations of violation of progressive goals duty at the update stages.