Veteran Brazilian diplomat and COP30 president, André Aranha Corrêa do Lago, delivered a powerful address at the UN headquarters in New York this week. In his inaugural speech, he emphasized the importance of global unity in tackling climate change. Amidst rising tensions in the West and the US’s wavering commitment to climate action, Corrêa do Lago defended multilateralism and the legacy of UN climate talks that have spanned over three decades.
Reflecting on the outcomes of the previous two COPs, he expressed Brazil’s strong conviction that cooperation among all countries is essential for humanity’s progress. This comes at a crucial time when the US, under President Donald Trump, has initiated steps to withdraw from the Paris Agreement and has not fulfilled its promised climate finance commitments.
The European Union’s climate information service Copernicus highlighted the alarming global temperatures in February 2025, marking it as the third warmest February on record. This news, coupled with the rapid decline in sea ice in polar regions, underscores the urgent need for accelerated climate action on a global scale.
Iraq’s representative at the UN plenary echoed the sentiments of the G77 group, representing developing countries, who expressed disappointment at the lack of essential support at COP29 in Baku. Developing states called on wealthy nations to provide more funding to aid in the transition towards low-carbon development pathways and to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
At COP29, rich nations had agreed to channel at least $300 billion annually by 2035 to support climate action in vulnerable countries. However, talks were fraught with tension and criticism, leading to an inadequate outcome that failed to meet the expectations of developing nations and activists alike.
Looking ahead to COP30, scheduled to take place in Belém, Brazil, there are high hopes for significant progress. Countries are expected to finalize a roadmap aimed at mobilizing $1.3 trillion annually by 2035 from various sources to combat climate change. Additionally, governments will unveil their new nationally determined contributions (NDCs) by September, outlining ambitious targets to reduce emissions.
The landmark decision at COP28 in Dubai to transition away from fossil fuels has been a focal point in past climate negotiations. However, the lack of concrete steps to implement this pledge has raised concerns. Calls for greater ambition and urgency in transitioning away from fossil fuels have been reiterated at COP30.
As the world eagerly anticipates the outcomes of COP30, Brazil’s role in climate action has come under scrutiny. President Lula da Silva’s push for oil drilling in the Amazon raises questions about the country’s commitment to environmental preservation. Despite these concerns, Brazil remains steadfast in its efforts to host a successful climate summit in the heart of the Amazon rainforest.
In preparation for COP30, Brazil is working to enhance infrastructure in Belém to accommodate the influx of conference delegates. Plans to add 26,000 new beds through the renovation of hotels, rental homes, river cruise boats, and military facilities demonstrate Brazil’s dedication to hosting a successful and impactful event.
As the world looks to Belém for the next chapter in climate negotiations, the stage is set for a pivotal moment in the fight against climate change. With global unity and cooperation, there is hope for meaningful progress and a sustainable future for generations to come.
