Debora Prado compares climate governance and paradiplomacy in Brazil and Germany, arguing that Germany’s institutionalized federal system enables stronger coordination between national and subnational governments. In contrast, Brazil’s federal government retains a monopoly over foreign affairs, leaving states and cities to pursue international climate action through informal, often uncoordinated arrangements. This creates policy instability, particularly during political transitions, and weakens long-term climate governance.

Prado highlights the importance of city networks and international partnerships—such as GIZ, ICLEI, the Amazon Fund, and German-Brazilian cooperation on green hydrogen—in supporting adaptation, mitigation, and sustainable development. However, she stresses that these initiatives cannot replace a strong federal framework. Recent reforms, including Brazil’s Council of Federation and the inclusion of climate federalism in the National Climate Plan, are promising but remain politically vulnerable. Prado concludes that deeper institutionalization and continued cooperation with Germany are essential for effective and resilient climate policy in Brazil.