Mercadante warns of intense El Niño and BNDES mobilization in climate emergencies
The president of the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES), Aloizio Mercadante, warned about the likely strong intensity of the El Niño phenomenon this year. He indicated that the institution is already preparing to act decisively in reconstruction and prevention projects related to the impacts of extreme weather events. The statement was made on August 12, 2026.
Threat of El Niño and rising temperatures in the Pacific
Aloizio Mercadante highlighted that the increase in temperature in the Pacific Ocean is significantly above average. He highlighted that, although it cannot be predicted whether this will be the most severe El Niño in history, it will certainly be one of the most intense. This scenario requires greater readiness to face the consequences.
Signs of climate change already observed in the country
The president of BNDES mentioned that recent climate events serve as an indication of the seriousness of the situation. He cited a strong wind recorded in Rio de Janeiro and the increasingly intense rains in the southern region of Brazil, which require continuous monitoring and increased attention from the authorities.
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BNDES’s role in reconstruction and prevention
The financial institution is focused on a two-pronged approach to addressing the effects of climate change. BNDES not only supports reconstruction projects, as it has already done in areas hit by storms in Rio Grande do Sul, but also invests in initiatives to prevent and combat climate impacts. Mercadante stated that the bank “will not lack” in supporting the affected populations.
To guarantee this action, BNDES is even creating a register of volunteer employees willing to help in regions that need immediate support. This measure aims to speed up the bank’s response in crisis situations.
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Fiscal commitment and record payments to the Treasury
During a press conference on the bank’s results, Mercadante emphasized BNDES’ strong commitment to fiscal responsibility. The bank was responsible for 36% of the dividends received by the National Treasury, and in the last three years, made payments totaling R$62.251 billion. This value represents a significant contribution to the country’s fiscal framework, surpassing the contribution of other public companies.
Bank performance and credit goals
BNDES released impressive financial results. Accumulated disbursements in 12 months reached 1.4% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Credit approvals, in turn, reached 2.1%, exceeding the target of 2% established by the institution itself.
- Disbursements (12 months):1.4% of GDP
- Credit approvals:2.1% (above target of 2%)
- Future goal:It will depend on the results of the elections, but the 2% credit approval level is considered “cruising speed” and returns to the bank’s historical average.
BNDES and the importance of market balance
Mercadante also expressed caution regarding the size and scope of BNDES operations. He reiterated that the objective is not to return to the post-crisis scenario of 2008, when the bank became “too big”. The view is that an excessively large BNDES could harm the development of capital markets and hinder strategic partnerships that are essential for sustainable economic growth. The institution seeks a balance between its development role and the health of the financial system as a whole.
