The Era of Eloquent Addresses and Noble Aims is Over: The Cop30 Focuses On Action
Today, in the Brazilian Amazon, the Belém conference commences prior to the 30th United Nations climate change conference (Conference of the Parties 30). I have convened global heads of state during the period before the conference to ensure collective dedication to acting with the urgency the climate crisis demands.
If we fail to move beyond rhetoric to tangible steps, our societies will lose faith – not just in climate conferences, but in multilateralism and international politics more broadly. That is why I have summoned leaders to the Amazon: to establish this as the "truthful Cop", the occasion where we prove our collective dedication's gravity toward Earth.
Humanity has shown its ability to overcome great challenges when it acts together and is guided by science. The ozone layer was safeguarded by us. Worldwide actions during the Covid-19 crisis showed that decisive global action is possible when there is courage and political will.
Brazil hosted the Earth Summit in 1992. Agreements on climate, biodiversity, and desertification were endorsed, and adopted principles that defined a fresh model for protecting Earth and humankind. During the last three decades, these gatherings have produced important agreements and goals for cutting emissions – from ending deforestation by 2030 to tripling renewable energy capacity.
After over thirty years, the world returns to Brazil to address the climate issue. It is no coincidence that Cop30 takes place deep within the Amazon jungle. It offers a chance for leaders, envoys, researchers, campaigners, and reporters to observe the Amazon's actual conditions. We want the world to see the forests' real status, Earth's biggest river system, and the numerous inhabitants of the area. Climate conferences must not just display concepts or yearly meetings for delegates. They must be moments of contact with reality and opportunities for real steps against environmental shifts.
To jointly address this emergency, financial support is essential. And we must recognise that the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities remains the non-negotiable foundation for all climate agreements. This is why developing nations call for increased resource availability – not out of charity, but as fairness. Rich countries have benefited the most from the carbon-based economy. They must now rise to their responsibilities, not just through pledges but by repaying what they owe.
Brazil is doing its part. In only two years, Amazon deforestation has been cut by half by us, demonstrating that real environmental measures can work.
At Belém, we are introducing a novel program for forest conservation: the TFFF fund. It is innovative because it operates as an investment fund, not a donation mechanism. The fund will compensate forest preservers and contributors to the fund. A true mutually beneficial strategy to tackling climate change. Leading by example, Brazil has announced an investment of $1bn in the TFFF, and we expect equally ambitious announcements from other nations.
We also set an example by being the second nation to submit a fresh NDC. Brazil has committed to reducing its emissions by 59% to 67%, including all emission types and every economic area. In this spirit, we call on all countries to propose similarly bold NDCs and to execute them thoroughly.
The energy transition is fundamental to meeting Brazil’s NDC. Our energy mix is one of the globe's greenest, as 88% of our power is renewable. We are a leader in biofuels and are advancing in wind, solar and green hydrogen energy.
Channeling oil earnings to finance a just, orderly and equitable energy transition is vital. In the long run, global petroleum firms, including Brazil’s Petrobras, will transform into energy companies, because a growth model based on fossil fuels is unsustainable.
Individuals should be the focus of political decisions about climate and the shift to clean energy. It's important to acknowledge that society's most at-risk groups are the most affected by the impacts of climate change, this is why equitable transition and adjustment strategies should target reducing disparities.
It's crucial to remember that 2 billion people lack access to clean technologies and fuels for cooking, and over 673 million face hunger. In response, we will launch in Belém a declaration on hunger, poverty and climate. Our commitment to fight global warming should be closely tied to the effort to end hunger.
It is also fundamental that we push for changes in international governance. Today, international cooperation is hindered by the stagnation of the UN security council. Created to preserve peace, it has not stopped conflicts. It is our duty, therefore to advocate for reforming this body. During Cop30, we will push for the creation of a UN climate change council connected to the General Assembly. It would be a new governance structure with the force and legitimacy to ensure that countries deliver on their promises, and an effective step toward overcoming the present deadlock of the multilateral system.
At every climate conference, we hear many promises but see too few real commitments. The time for intention statements is over: the moment for implementation plans is here. This is why we commence today the “Cop of truth”.