Effectiveness of environmental legal instruments for climate change in the city of Recife (Pernambuco, Brazil)

Abstract

Over the years, with the purpose of promoting sustainable development and a better quality of life, several international agreements and national policies have been formulated in favor of the environment and the fight against climate change. The climate change policy in the city of Recife has been implemented since 2014, using the provisions of laws and regulations. The aim of this study is to identify the effectiveness of the legal environmental instruments used for climate change in Recife. This analysis of public policy is based on climate thematic frameworks, such as international agreements, the Federal Constitution of Brazil, and Environmental Legislation. To achieve this, a bibliographic and documentary review was conducted. This study shows that the city's laws create initiatives that contribute to the fight against climate change, such as the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and increased reforestation. However, this alone is not sufficient to cause a significant change.