More than 120 heads of state and government from countries around the world have convened at the historic United Nations Climate Change Conference, or COP26, to determine strategies needed to combat the climate crisis.

But as global leaders gather in Glasgow, Scotland, the credibility of some of the world’s greatest emitters is increasingly under question.

Among the most notable countries is Brazil.

In preparation for COP26, Brazilian Environment Minister Joaquim Leite met with Germany, Norway, the U.S., and the U.K. on Oct. 3 to find ways Brazil could regain its status at the summit.

Leite later announced an ambitious climate proposal that included a “target of a 43% reduction in emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050.”

Brazil’s environment ministry also announced a “National Green Growth Program" last week that outlined the nation’s commitment to its climate goals, including its plan to support sustainable projects that generate “green jobs.”

“We will encourage, support and prioritize green projects, so that they promote entrepreneurship and sustainable innovation, showing the world that the green future is here, in Brazil," Leite said in the press release.

However, Brazil’s lack of commitment has left many environmental activists worried as its new program made no mention of plans for preventing deforestation on the federal level. It also failed to outline any concrete operative plans, goals or actions.

This becomes an issue since Brazil’s climate crisis has mainly originated from the growing deforestation in order to create more space for beef and soy production.

Brazil's deforestation has taken such a harsh turn that as of July, the Amazon rainforest was emitting more carbon dioxide than it absorbs.

The Associated Press quoted Brazilian delegation member Rodrigo Agostinho, who said that "no one trusts Brazil anymore" amid allegations that the country is tinkering with data.

All of these climate concerns have become more severe since Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro took office.

During the first year of his presidency in 2019, Bolsonaro oversaw a 9.5% increase in deforestation. His government has also been known for its clear goal of dismantling national environmental policies and destroying indigenous land.

“The Bolsonaro government wants the world now to think that Brazil is committed to saving the Amazon rainforest,” Maria Laura Canineu, director of Human Rights Watch in Brazil, said in a report. "But this commitment cannot be taken seriously, given its disastrous record and failure to come up with credible plans to achieve urgently needed results in combating deforestation."

Bolsonaro is not attending COP26, raising questions about his personal commitment to tackling climate change.

"I reinforce our commitment to generating a neutral greenhouse gas economy at the same time creating jobs and creating income contributions to Brazil," Leite said Monday.

Environmental activists have been critical of Leite, who has not undone many of Bolsonaro's policies. Research group Climate Action Tracker has slammed Brazil, noting that the country "has submitted an updated Paris Agreement NDC that effectively weakens its already insufficient climate action targets for 2025 and 2030."

The Guardian cited how Brazil has two differing sides represented in Glasgow. The country's Brazilian pavilion promotes agriculture, while the rival Brazil Climate Action hub highlights "the emissions-cutting efforts of Amazonian states, indigenous communities and civil society groups."

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