Anuário Brasileiro do Cobre Brazilian Copper Yearbook 2023 15 References: Altenburg, T., & Assmann, C. (Eds.). (2017). Green Industrial Policy. Concept, Policies, Country Experiences. Geneva, Bonn: UN Environment; German Development Institute / Deutsches Institut für Entwicklungspolitk (DIE). Cosbey, A. (2013). Green Industrial Policy and the World Trading System (ENTWINED Issue brief No. 17). Stockholm. Available at www.iisd.org/ library/green-industrial-policy-and-world-trading-system ICA, International Copper Association (2022). Carbon Footprint of Copper Production – Best Practice Guidance for Greenhouse Gas Measurements ICA, International Copper Association (2023). EU 2040 Climate target European Copper Institute position in response to the Commission consultation. Disponível em https://copperalliance. org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ECI-position-on-EU-2040-Climate-target.pdf EPE, Energy Research Company (2023). Energy and Electrical Matrix. Available in https://www.epe.gov.br/pt/abcdenergia/matriz-energetica-e-eletrica MEIRA, A. L.; LEITE, C. D.; MOREIRA, V. R. R. Ministry of Agriculture (2016). Plant Health – Agroecological factsheets. Available at: https://www.gov.br/agricultura/pt-br/assuntos/sustentabilidade/organicos/fichas-agroecologicas/arquivos-sanidade-vegetal/1-calda-bordalesa.pdf The Green Economy, according to Altenburg and Assmann (2017), can be defined as a set of measures to drive structural transformation towards a low-carbon and resource-efficient economy. This concept can be complemented by that defended by Cosbey (2013), who describes green industrial policy as that striving to structure means of production capable of acting in a favorable way to the environment and producing goods with better environmental performance compared with the competition, directly addressing environmental problems. There are several benefits to be achieved with the adoption of these strategies, such as the creation of new, specialized jobs, gaining competitive advantages from the products and, above all, the possibility of maintaining healthy and sustainable population growth. Within this perspective and the urgency of the topic, much work is already underway, and much still needs to be done. Without a doubt, however, in most cases the conscientious use of copper has made, and will continue to make, a difference. For example, copper is a differentiator in meeting the low-carbon, resource-efficient economy goal. Copper’s intrinsic and significant cost-benefit / energy efficiency ratio has inspired research and development efforts in electric transport systems, renewable source-powered electricity generation equipment, and more energy-efficient appliances, with the reduction of fossil fuel use. It is notable that the International Copper Alliance (ICA - 2023) reports that the European Commission classified copper as an essential input for the energy transition and electrification of large-scale transport modes. Given this unique characteristic, the copper market is expected to grow by 35% by 2050 as a result of this effort towards decarbonization. Based on the most recent data from the ICA (2022), it is important to note that the copper production chain accounts for 0.2% of the planet’s greenhouse gas emissions, and growth in demand will increase the need for continuous investment in mining techniques and the professionalization of the recyclables market, which the Brazilian copper industry remains attentive to and active in. Data provided by Brazil’s Energy Research Corporation (EPE- 2023) show that Brazil is in a favorable position in the adoption of clean energy. Currently, the Brazilian energy matrix (energy sources necessary to move vehicles, generate electricity, and other uses) is composed of 47.4% renewable sources, while the electricity matrix (sources used only for the generation of electricity) is composed of 87.9% renewable sources. We are facing a great synergistic potential between the application of copper and the development and generation of clean energy (the more copper, the more clean energy there is), as it is widely used in wind, solar, hydraulic generators, and distribution systems. And the more clean energy we have, the lower the carbon generation to produce copper. This perspective is even more promising if we look at the global data on energy and electricity matrices, with renewable sources of 14.1% and 26.6%, respectively, employed. In addition to the unequivocal aspects mentioned above, copper also plays a fundamental role in the development of environmentally friendly means of production, and healthy and sustainable population growth. This is due to its characteristics not widely known in Brazil and supported by a significant amount of scientific evidence. First of all, copper is an indispensable mineral for all living organisms. The benefits of copper to human health, in its correct dosage, range from positive effects for brain development to bone strength, and effective immune responses. Another highlight is the antimicrobial properties of copper, with copper surfaces being able to kill a significant number of fungi, bacteria, and viruses, and it can be used in hospitals and high-footfall areas to inhibit the accumulation and growth of bacteria on commonly touched surfaces, reducing the transmission of diseases and, consequently, pressure on health systems. Copper is also commonly used in refrigeration and air conditioning systems, having a positive impact on air quality, inhibiting mold growth in these systems. From a food production perspective, the antimicrobial properties of copper will be a driver of the growing organic agriculture market. Among several alternatives, Meira, Leite, and Moreira (2016), with the support of Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture, list the use of traditional agricultural pesticides based on copper compounds, known as Bordeaux, Bordalesa, and Viçosa mixtures. When correctly dosed and used, these are safe ways to manage fungi in vegetable gardens and orchards and have an indirect effect on bacterial infection and plant fertilization. Achieving the status of a green economy will allow us to produce for a growing global population without degrading our cherished environment and planet, making optimal use of resources, and ensuring people’s health. The evidence presented reinforces the leading role played by the copper chain in this scenario, and continuous investment in the segment will allow more than just the survival of existing businesses, but the continuity of society and our livelihoods.. The importance of copper from the perspective of the Green Economy By Márcio Rodrigues da Silva, Manager of Research, Development and Testing Center, at Termomecanica São Paulo S.A.
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