The 30th Conference of the Parties, COP30, has commenced in Belém, Brazil, with a strong emphasis on the need for urgent action to combat climate change. The conference, which brings together representatives from nearly 200 countries, aims to accelerate the implementation of climate solutions and reduce global greenhouse gas emissions.
In his opening address, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva stressed that the era of half-measures is over and that climate change is already having devastating effects on communities worldwide. He called for a decisive defeat of climate denial and faster action to keep the 1.5°C goal alive. The President also announced a new fund to support energy transitions in developing countries, financed by revenues from oil exploration.
UN climate chief Simon Stiell urged delegates to focus on turning ambition into action, rather than “squabbling” over minor issues. He emphasized that the global emissions curve is starting to bend downward, thanks to commitments and agreements made at previous COPs. However, he cautioned that much work remains to be done to achieve the 1.5°C goal.
A preliminary assessment by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change suggests that new national climate plans, known as NDCs, could cut emissions by 12% by 2035. This represents a significant step forward, but more needs to be done to guarantee the 1.5°C goal. The challenge now is to turn promises into action at a pace that matches the scale of the crisis.
The conference has also seen the announcement of several key initiatives, including a $5.5 billion fund to reward nations for protecting rainforests and a commitment to recognize Indigenous land rights. The Leaders’ Summit, held on November 6 and 7, brought together world leaders to discuss climate action and its links to the fight against hunger, poverty, and environmental racism.
COP30 President André Corrêa do Lago urged delegates to make this the “COP of implementation, adaptation, and economic integration of climate policy – and above all, the COP that listens to and believes in science.” The conference is expected to continue until November 17, with delegates working to finalize agreements and commitments on climate action.
The significance of COP30 cannot be overstated, as it represents a critical moment in the global effort to combat climate change. With the world already experiencing the devastating effects of climate change, the need for urgent action has never been more pressing. The outcomes of COP30 will be closely watched, as they will have a significant impact on the future of global climate policy and the ability of countries to meet the 1.5°C goal.