Climate Justice Requires Strengthening Small Businesses, Says Sebrae
On the eve of COP30, Décio Lima, president of the Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service, argues that global progress on climate change also depends on empowering local enterprises — and outlines how to support them
By Décio Lima, President of Sebrae
Climate justice is, above all, a quest for equity. It means sharing investments and responsibilities fairly in the fight against environmental emergencies — recognizing historical inequalities and the need to protect human and collective rights.
After the technical progress made at COP29 in Baku, the world now approaches COP30 with a growing realization: traditional climate diplomacy is no longer enough. The challenge ahead is to turn commitments into tangible action, and the Amazon stands as a symbol of this new phase.
The solutions, however, begin at the foundation of the economy — with small producers and local entrepreneurs. These are the people most closely connected to the land and to traditional knowledge. They are already adopting regenerative practices, diversifying crops, and strengthening the bioeconomy.
Small and micro businesses make up more than 95 percent of Brazilian enterprises and generate 80 percent of formal jobs. They are deeply rooted in their territories, the first to feel the impacts of climate change, and often the quickest to act — saving energy and water, innovating, and integrating sustainability into daily operations.
A global ecological transition depends on giving these businesses access to affordable credit, public policies, technology, and low-carbon training. It also requires recognizing that the bioeconomy, regenerative agriculture, and circular economy are not optional; they are essential to the survival of the forest and the communities that depend on it.
During COP30, Sebrae and the SME Climate Hub will highlight that small businesses are a crucial part of the climate solution. Belém, as the host city, has everything it takes to mark a turning point — from global promises to local action — in a movement that is decentralized, inclusive, and rooted in the territories where change truly happens.
Because, in the end, wherever there is a small business, there is a future. There is a standing forest, there is income, there is dignity — and the beginning of a new pact between development and sustainability.
Décio Lima is president of Sebrae (Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service). A lawyer and professor, he previously served two terms as mayor of Blumenau, as superintendent of the Port of Itajaí, and as a federal deputy for three consecutive terms.
The views expressed in this article are those of the author.
Translation: Tadeu Azevedo (POET/UFC)
Proofreading: Michel Emmanuel Félix François (POET/UFC)