WASHINGTON (JUNE 30, 2015)– Earlier today, Presidents Barack Obama and Dilma Rousseff committed to intensify collaboration between their two countries and work together to secure an ambitious climate agreement in Paris. Brazil committed to restore and reforest 12 million hectares of forests by 2030, increase the share of renewables in its energy mix of 28-33% by 2030, and improve low-carbon agricultural and grazing land practices among other measures. Additionally, both the United States and Brazil committed to increase the share of renewables – beyond hydropower – in their respective electricity mix to 20% by 2030.

Following is a statement from Jennifer Morgan, global director, Climate Program, World Resources Institute:

“Brazil and the U.S. moved the ball ahead with commitments to increase and diversify their supply of renewable energy. These actions will help both countries expand their economies with clean, sustainable energy. Brazil can build on today’s announcement with an ambitious national climate proposal as part of the international agreement this year.

“Brazil has done an exemplary job fighting deforestation and today’s commitment will help it to accomplish even more. Leadership on climate change requires Brazil to implement a multi-faceted approach to substantially cut carbon pollution from all sectors, including power and transportation.

“Both the U.S. and Brazil recognize the mounting threats of climate change—and they are working together to accelerate the shift to a low-carbon economy. The commitment of Presidents Obama and Rousseff to work together and with other partners towards an ambitious Paris agreement just increased the probability of success.”