André Correa do Lago to Lead COP30 UN Climate Summit
Brazil has appointed veteran climate diplomat André Aranha Corrêa do Lago to preside over this year’s COP30 UN climate summit in November in the Amazonian city of Belém. His appointment was widely praised by Brazilian climate campaigners for his “deep knowledge” of climate talks.
Corrêa do Lago’s Impressive Background
Ambassador Corrêa do Lago has been serving as Secretary for Climate, Energy, and Environment at Brazil’s foreign ministry and as Brazil’s chief climate negotiator since 2023. He previously held the same role between 2011 and 2013 and has been working on sustainable development-related issues since 2001. As a career diplomat, he has also held the positions of Brazilian ambassador to India and Japan, showcasing his extensive experience in international relations. Additionally, he is known as a respected architecture critic and curator.
Reactions to his Appointment
Brazilian climate campaigners have overwhelmingly welcomed Corrêa do Lago’s appointment. Claudio Angelo, head of international policy at Observatório do Clima, commended President Lula for choosing Correa do Lago, emphasizing his respect within the international climate community and his deep understanding of the multilateral process. However, Angelo cautioned that Correa do Lago would need full support from Lula to navigate the challenging year ahead for climate diplomacy.
Toya Manchineri from the Coordination of Indigenous Organisations of the Brazilian Amazon expressed cautious optimism about his appointment, noting that while it represents a positive step, there is still work to be done to ensure Indigenous voices are central to climate discussions.
Challenges and Expectations for COP30
Corrêa do Lago’s presidency of COP30 comes at a critical time, with countries gathering to take stock of their new round of nationally determined contributions (NDCs) a decade after the adoption of the Paris climate agreement. Brazil has already announced ambitious emissions reduction targets, primarily focused on its carbon-storing forests. However, concerns have been raised about the country’s fossil fuel expansion plans and the need for a more comprehensive approach to combatting climate change.
As COP30 approaches, negotiations on transitioning away from fossil fuels, climate finance, and adaptation measures are expected to take center stage. The international community faces the challenge of mobilizing significant financial resources to support developing countries in their climate efforts, with Corrêa do Lago emphasizing the importance of investment over donations.
Corrêa do Lago’s appointment marks a departure from past COP presidents with ties to the fossil fuel sector, signaling a potential shift in priorities towards more sustainable and inclusive climate action.
As the world looks to COP30 for meaningful progress on climate issues, Corrêa do Lago’s leadership will play a crucial role in shaping the summit’s agenda and facilitating agreements between nations. With high expectations placed on Brazil due to its historical role in climate negotiations, all eyes will be on Belém this November to see if COP30 delivers on its promise of advancing global efforts to address climate change.
