Simon Stiell, UN climate chief set the tone Monday:
“There is a deep awareness of the issues and the need to show that climate cooperation holds up in a fractured world. »
His warning was direct: “There is no time to waste on delays and obstructions. »
Over the next two days, ministers will outline their positions in what is often the busiest phase of the summit. Mr. Stiell urged delegations to tackle the toughest questions now – not in a last-minute rush.
“There is no time to waste on tactical delays or obstructions,” he said, before adding: “The time for performative diplomacy is now over. »
© UNFCCC/Diego Herculano
Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change, speaks during the opening plenary session of the high-level segment.
The President of the United Nations General Assembly echoes this urgencyreminding negotiators that despite the “headwinds” and many “ebbs and flows” of climate negotiations, they “do not have the luxury of complacency when people are counting on them.”
Annalena Baerbock sounded a note of optimism, highlighting the unstoppable dynamic of renewable energy and innovation: “The money exists but must be redirected. »
She pointed to a grim figure: Developing countries paid $1.4 trillion in external debt service last year – funds that could transform climate action if channeled into clean energy and resilience.
Speaking to reporters, Baerbock recalled that on Sunday she took a 30-minute boat ride from Belém to visit Combu Island.
There, on the edge of the Amazon rainforest, she met local indigenous communities “who are showing how sustainable development, economic growth and forest protection can go hand in hand.”
This, she said, “underlines once again that climate action is not a “nice thing to have”‘. It is not a charity. Climate action is in the interest of all our economic and security interests.
THE 30th edition of the annual United Nations climate summit opened last Monday, November 10 and is expected to end next Friday.
From words to actions: Brazil calls for a new era
Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin said COP30 must mark a turning point. “The world needs to stop debating the goals and start achieving them,” he said, adding that this means moving from negotiation to implementation.
Mr. Alckmin highlighted the Belém Commitment, an initiative to quadruple the use of sustainable fuels by 2035, already supported by 25 countries. He called for creativity in areas such as the bioeconomy and decarbonization, reaffirming Brazil’s commitment to “clean energy, innovation and inclusion.”
Brazilian officials confirmed that two sets of major decisions are now on the table: one related to the frameworks and topics mandated by previous COPs, and the other covering additional issues under negotiation, such as a gender equality action plan.
A draft of the first package is expected midweek, but COP30 president André Corrêa do Lago warned the timetable would be tight, with night sessions likely.
Beyond the official rooms: the People’s Summit delivers its verdict
While the ministers debated inside, the streets of Belém vibrated with energy. The People’s Summit, held November 12-16, attracted more than 25,000 participants – the largest ever – and culminated with a march for climate justice bringing together 70,000 people, the largest protest of its kind.
On Sunday, civil society delivered a set of proposals to Mr. do Lago, as well as Ana Toni, CEO of COP30, and key ministers, including Marina Silva and Sônia Guajajara.
Maureen Santos of the Summit policy committee told us:
“I think this COP serves as an example of democracy not only for the United Nations, but also for the world. And that is what multilateralism is: when parties truly engage beyond states and we see greater visibility for those who suffer the impacts of the crisis, who also propose alternatives to deal with it.”
Social movements are pushing for climate finance, warning of possible “ecological debts” and demanding a broader vision of a just transition – one that includes employment, food sovereignty and territorial rights, not just renewable energy.
Brazil Agency/Tânia Rêgo
COP30 President Ambassador André Corrêa do Lago delivers a speech at the closing of the People’s Summit.
Solidarity in action: 300,000 meals served
The People’s Summit was not just about speeches. It was a question of solidarity. Groups like the Landless Workers Movement (MTST) organized a massive “solidarity kitchen,” drawing on the experience of responding to last year’s floods in Rio Grande do Sul.
More than 300,000 free meals were served, including Amazonian staples like jambu, açaí and pirarucu.
Rudi Rafael, who helped lead the operation, described the scale:
“We had 21 pots of 500 liters each, with a production line preparing meal boxes in just 26 seconds. »
For many, cooking symbolized hope, especially for those who defended indigenous lands, traditions and cultures. It’s a reminder that climate justice is as much about dignity and community as it is about politics.
UN NewsEastreport from Belémgiving you front row coverage of everything happening at COP30.
