World leaders will convene in the Brazilian Amazon on Thursday for a two‑day summit in Belém, aiming to reaffirm their commitment to tackling climate change despite the United States’ absence and other notable challenges. Around 50 heads of state and government are expected to attend ahead of the annual UN Conference of Parties (COP) climate negotiations, signaling that climate change remains a top global priority despite broken promises and setbacks.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron are slated to be present, while major economies such as China and India will be represented by deputies or climate ministers. The choice of Belém as the host city has sparked controversy because of its limited infrastructure and high hotel fees, which pose difficulties for small delegations and NGOs. Nevertheless, authorities have invested in new buildings and renovations, and locals are optimistic about the summit’s potential benefits. “The COP is bringing Belém the recognition it deserves,” said Karol Farias, a 34‑year‑old makeup artist.
Brazil does not seek to secure a major agreement at the summit; instead, it aims to send a clear signal that nations remain committed to the climate fight. The U.S. absence and Brazil’s recent approval of oil drilling near the Amazon River are likely to serve as awkward reminders of the challenges ahead. Concerns also linger that the target of limiting global warming to 1.5 °C above pre‑industrial levels will be missed.
Host Brazil is still working to find affordable accommodations for cash‑strapped countries and has secured external funding to provide free cabins on cruise ships for delegations from low‑income nations. Acknowledging the difficulty of rallying climate action amid global uncertainty, Brazil is pushing for a global fund to reward tropical countries for protecting rainforests and emphasizing the need for adaptation measures. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has called for action, stating, “Enough talking, now we have to implement what we’ve already discussed.”
The summit is viewed as an opportunity for accountability, with leaders expected to deliver a clear mandate for ambitious action to address the climate crisis. With projections that the world could warm by 2.5 °C by the end of the century even if all current commitments are met, the need for urgent action is unmistakable.
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