On July 17, the Chamber of Deputies approved Bill 2159/2021, with 267 votes in favor and 116 against. Nicknamed by experts and activists as the Devastation Bill, the text reignited discussions on sustainability in Brazil, which had already been heated since May of this year, when the bill was debated in the Senate. The proposal eases environmental licensing in the country and could pave the way for more deforestation and impacts in sensitive areas, such as the Amazon and the Cerrado. According to SOS Mata Atlântica, the decision removes historical protection guarantees, directly threatening 24% of the original coverage of this biome, especially the remaining 12% of mature forests. The text proceeded for presidential sanction and has generated mobilizations throughout the national territory. 

Despite the controversial political scenario, a silent and transformative movement continues to grow: that of green techs, or green technologies. They represent a practical and adaptable response to the environmental challenges we face, combining innovation with positive impact. But, before showing which are the 5 green technologies that are transforming Brazil, let's understand a little more about the concept. 

What are green techs — and why is the world keeping an eye on them?

Green technologies are technological solutions created to reduce environmental impact, promote energy efficiency, and support the transition of sectors to a low-carbon economy. Abroad, this concept is already treated as a priority. Countries like Germany, the United States, and China invest billions in green innovation, both in public policies and in incentives for the private sector.

In Europe, for example, the European Green Deal established ambitious carbon neutrality goals by 2050, driving startups and tech companies to develop more sustainable solutions. In Brazil, despite the political challenges, the green innovation ecosystem is flourishing — and shows that it is possible to promote economic development without giving up environmental preservation.

Green technologies that are transforming Brazil

Tropical forests, large freshwater reserves, and high solar incidence make Brazil one of the greatest global powers for the development and application of green technologies. Our country houses about 20% of the planet's biodiversity and is at the center of global climate negotiations, in addition to having a vocation for innovating in agribusiness, with water-saving solutions, the use of AI in planting, and the production of bio-inputs. 

All these factors attract international investments, contributing to cooperation projects and the creation of funding sources for green techs. Below, you will check out 5 technological innovations that are contributing to sustainable progress in the country, even amidst political uncertainties. 

1. Renewable energies 

Brazil is one of the countries with the highest solar generation potential in the world. It is no wonder that the use of this clean energy source has taken a major leap in recent decades. Currently, Brazil ranks 6th in the global solar energy production ranking. At the end of 2024, the Ministry of Mines and Energy celebrated the historic achievement of 50 gigawatts of installed capacity, considering both distributed generation and centralized generation. The number represents nearly 21% of the Brazilian electricity matrix, according to the Brazilian Association of Photovoltaic Solar Energy (Absolar).

Distributed generation, consisting of residential, commercial, and industrial systems, represents the largest share of installed capacity, with 33.5 GW. Such high adoption is due to the ease of access that startups and local initiatives have promoted, especially because solar energy reduces costs, carbon emissions, and dependence on polluting sources.

The growth of wind farms, especially in the Northeast, has also contributed to the sustainable development of the country. Projects such as the Lagoa dos Ventos Wind Farm, in Piauí, are examples of the advancement of wind energy. Together, these renewable energy sources have reduced reliance on fossil sources and greenhouse gas emissions. 

2. Regenerative agriculture with sensors and artificial intelligence

The combination of drones, sensors, climate data, crop mapping, and artificial intelligence has revolutionized the field, showing that agribusiness can be more technological and sustainable. In addition to innovations that allow for more efficient irrigation, the sector already has many solutions for reducing the use of chemical inputs and practices that favor soil regeneration — contributing to cleaner production that is more resilient to climate change. 

AgroBee, an agrotech startup that is part of CodeBit's client portfolio, has invested in field innovation with an AI that detects coffee maturation with 97% accuracy, helping growers predict coffee crop productivity even before harvest. In addition to analyzing a large volume of crop data, this AI, which is still in development, will also allow the identification of local plantation demands, optimizing the use of inputs, water resources, and even pesticides. 

Practices such as no-till farming, crop-livestock-forest integration (ILPF), and agricultural waste management are also playing a key role in low-carbon and precision agriculture. 

3. Biotechnology in water purification and waste reuse

The floods that hit Rio Grande do Sul in 2024, leaving thousands of people without access to drinking water, laid bare the need for fast and efficient technologies for water treatment and purification. Since then, portable and scalable solutions, such as membrane filters, UV systems, and mobile purification stations, have been gaining ground in public sanitation projects.

Furthermore, waste reuse technologies — such as biodigesters for generating energy from organic matter — have been applied more frequently, especially in rural areas and communities far from urban centers. These solutions help to reduce waste volume, avoid soil and water contamination, and still generate renewable energy resources.

This movement shows how innovation can (and must) be at the service of environmental resilience and adaptation to the climate changes that are already underway.

4. Environmental monitoring with satellites and data intelligence

Tools like MapBiomas, developed in partnership with universities, NGOs, and research institutes, use public data and artificial intelligence to map land use and detect areas of deforestation. The system complements data from Deter and Prodes, from the National Institute for Space Research (INPE), which are essential for enforcement actions and environmental public policies.

When it comes to environmental monitoring and forest management, technology has also stood out as a powerful ally in protecting the Amazon and other Brazilian forests. This is where the use of nanosatellites and remote sensing systems comes into play, allowing the monitoring of large areas, detecting deforestation and fires more quickly and accurately. Additionally, the application of geotechnologies and geographic information systems (GIS) assists in planning and executing sustainable forest management plans, ensuring the responsible exploitation of natural resources.

5. Biofuels and biotechnology

Brazil has been a global leader in the production of biofuels, such as sugarcane ethanol, for more than three decades. Data from the Sugarcane and Bioenergy Industry Union (UNICA) reveal that, in 2024, the country exported 35.2 million tons to 145 countries. This represents more than 50% of global trade, keeping the country as the world's main exporter of the asset. 

Constant innovation in biotechnology has enhanced the production efficiency of these fuels, seeking alternative and more sustainable sources, such as second-generation ethanol (2G), which uses waste from the sugarcane itself, and corn ethanol. In addition, biotechnology is applied in the development of more resistant and productive crops, reducing the need for pesticides and optimizing land use.

Therefore, in the face of proposals that threaten the country's environmental future, such as the Devastation Bill, it is essential to reinforce that technology and sustainability go hand in hand. Thus, public and private, national and international innovations are essential for future generations. Investing in green tech is investing in the future. And this future can — and must — be greener, cleaner, and fairer for everyone, whether in Brazil or anywhere else in the world.}