From Sharm el-Sheikh to Shanghai and Buenos Aires to Beijing, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has been turning heads and sparking interest, claiming a place of leadership for Brazil on the global stage. However, it is his leadership on the environment that has earned him a spot in TIME magazine’s annual list of 100 Most Influential People for 2023.
Lula has made his country’s relationship with China a priority of his government. In doing so, he has single-handedly lifted the BRICS flag into the international consciousness, reviving debate and the importance of the bloc. It is his leadership on climate, however, that has earned him recognition and admiration, and has also positioned Brazil as a key player in the global fight against climate change.
Environmental icon and former US vice president Al Gore wrote the profile piece on Lula for the award issue, ascribing Lula the title of “climate champion” for taking the leadership on mitigating the effects of Amazon deforestation on the world’s climate.
During his campaign and since his election Lula has pledged to renew Brazil's commitment to democracy, justice, and economic equity, with a focus on tackling the climate and biodiversity crises. Since his speech at COP27 in Egypt last year, he is seen as a crucial leader for climate action.
Lula, who assumed office on January 1, moved to spearhead efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable development on a global scale, making it a centerpiece and calling card of his agenda.
“As President, Lula has pledged to bolster Brazil’s standing in the world—renewing the country’s commitment to democracy, justice, and economic fairness. But in no other area does he stand to make a more significant impact than on the twin climate and biodiversity crises,” wrote Gore, noting the importance of the Amazon rain forest to the world, “Brazil is home to one of our planet’s most important natural wonder.”
Putting Lula’s rise in the context of his predecessor’s abysmal environmental record, Gore wrote, “After many years of rising deforestation and wildfires, the Amazon is transforming from a carbon sink into a net source of emissions. President Lula has pledged to protect the Amazon, and he has done it before—reducing deforestation by 72% in his previous term.”
The TIME 100 list is widely regarded as a prestigious recognition of individuals who have had a significant impact on society, culture, politics, and global issues.
The recognition of the Brazilian leader in a list that reflects and shapes the world’s public perception can influence public discourse and give Lula added global and domestic influence, especially coming after signing environmental agreements along with Xi Jinping in Beijing’s Great Hall of the People.
Selected by TIME editors with input from readers and nominators, the list is a global platform that highlights diversity and the interconnectedness of the world, underscoring what is considered influential and significant in society. But its relevance and value lie in the fact that it provides a current and unique snapshot of the most influential individuals across the globe, extending beyond mere recognition, the inspiration and motivation needed for them to continue to shape the world.
Past notables on the list have included Gore himself, Barack Obama, Angela Merkel, Bill Gates, Elon Musk, and Kamala Harris.
Lula is just beginning his third term as president of the nation that leads the nine-country Amazon region; Brazil covers the largest geographical area of South America, and has Latin America’s largest economy and population.
He has breathed new life into the UNASUR regional integration movement and is taking a leading role in pushing for the economic incorporation of South America into the global economy through a renewed and active role in the BRICS block.
For all the prestige and global influence of the TIME list, Gore’s designation of Lula as “climate champion” in its profile, sets him apart as a unique world leader and prominent activist whose impact and influence in the years to come are unquestionable.
As Lula leaves China after marking a significant change in direction for his country and securing support for his vision of a global approach to the environment, the Gore-given title and TIME spotlight have the potential of projecting large on the global stage as he continues his quest for Brazil’s place and leadership in the world.
“From tackling forest loss to accelerating Brazil’s clean-energy transition, President Lula’s leadership will be critical in this decisive decade for climate action,” wrote Gore.
