Brazil will host COP30 in November 2025, with ambitions focused on multilateralism, climate finance, and forest conservation. President-Designate André Aranha Corrêa do Lago’s letter highlights the urgency of climate action, particularly in light of alarming temperature increases. The event aims to connect climate and biodiversity goals amid ongoing controversies surrounding infrastructure developments. Brazil’s success hinges on translating its bold rhetoric into actionable agreements.
As Brazil gears up to host COP30 in November 2025, President-Designate André Aranha Corrêa do Lago has articulated the country’s aspirations in a letter of intent. This document underscores Brazil’s dedication to multilateralism, prioritizing climate finance, reducing fossil fuel dependency, and recognizing the vital role of forests in combatting climate change.
The letter emphasizes the urgent need to address the climate crisis, citing that 2024 was the hottest year on record. January 2025 continues to highlight this alarming trend, marking a time when society is no longer merely aware of climate risks, but actively confronting climate urgency. “Now, not only do we hear about climate risks, but we also live the climate urgency,” stated André in his communication.
The strategic choice of Belém, located in the Amazon, as the summit’s venue holds significant importance. As a city known for its beautiful waterways, Belém faces threats from rising sea levels. The Amazon rainforest remains a critical carbon sink, yet ongoing deforestation and degradation threaten it with irreversible damage. In response, Brazil has introduced the central theme of ‘Uniting for our Forests’ for COP30, emphasizing the intersection of climate and biodiversity agendas.
In light of the controversies surrounding COP28 and COP29, there is hope for a more transparent and productive conference in Belém. However, worries over infrastructural preparations persist, with reports of a new highway being constructed through the Amazon, aimed at alleviating traffic ahead of the summit. Critics assert that this initiative contradicts the core principles of conservation. “While touted as ‘sustainable’, this project is destroying critical ecosystems,” remarked Sabrina Agius, CEO and Founder of GSE Technologies, articulating local concerns.
A key focus of Brazil’s agenda involves scaling up climate finance. The letter states that negotiations from COP29 fell short in establishing a sufficient global climate finance commitment. Brazil aims to secure the necessary funding flow to meet climate targets, with the Director of the International Climate Politics Hub, Catherine Abreu, noting the complexities posed by declining public finance from wealthy nations. “Brazil will have to weave a difficult thread” in this tight financial landscape, she emphasized.
Furthermore, Brazil proposes hosting a candid dialogue on fossil fuel usage amidst growing climate ambitions that might prove divisive. “The production and combustion of coal, oil and gas is fuelling the climate crisis,” said Catherine, underscoring the urgent need to fulfill commitments towards renewable energy expansion and phasing out fossil fuels.
COP30 is also framed as an opportunity to reflect on and implement global climate commitments. Brazil aims to create a ‘Circle of Presidencies’ to include former UN climate summit leaders who can provide strategic advice. Additionally, the ‘Global Ethical Stocktake’ would gather insights from diverse experts, including scientists and Indigenous leaders, to devise ethical strategies for climate action.
Despite these proactive initiatives, skepticism lingers regarding concrete outcomes from COP30. By the summit’s commencement, countries are expected to present updated climate plans, and there are concerns that many will fail to meet essential targets for controlling global warming. “We’ll be doing some sobering math,” cautioned Catherine, regarding the projected achievements.
Brazil has raised expectations for COP30, framing it as a critical juncture for climate action. The call for a ‘global mutirão’ reflects an intention to unite efforts across various stakeholders for significant progress. Ultimately, the success of COP30 will depend on Brazil effectively turning its ambitious statements into actionable agreements. As Catherine aptly put it: “COP30 needs to be a moment where countries demonstrate multilateralism can work and must work, because there is no global security without climate security.”
Brazil’s forthcoming COP30 has the potential to redefine climate action through bold commitments and multifaceted discussions involving finance, fossil fuels, and environmental conservation. The significance of Belém as a host city accentuates the urgency of addressing ecological threats. However, the path ahead includes challenges regarding infrastructural developments and ensuring multilateral cooperation. The success of COP30 will depend on Brazil’s ability to transform ambitious plans into effective collaboration and concrete results to combat the climate crisis.
Original Source: sustainabilitymag.com
