The Age of Fine Speeches and Noble Intentions is Finished: Brazil's Cop30 Will Be About Action

Today, within Brazil's Amazon region, the Belém summit opens ahead of the 30th United Nations climate change conference (Conference of the Parties 30). I have convened global heads of state in the days leading up to the conference to ensure collective dedication to acting with the urgency the climate crisis demands.

If we fail to move beyond speeches into real action, public trust will diminish – not only in the Cops, but in multilateralism along with global diplomacy in general. That is why I have summoned leaders to the Amazon: to establish this as the "truthful Cop", the moment we demonstrate our collective dedication's gravity to the planet.

Humanity has shown its ability to overcome great challenges through united efforts and scientific guidance. The ozone layer was safeguarded by us. The global response to the Covid-19 pandemic proved that the world can act decisively when there is courage and political will.

The Earth Summit was held in Brazil back in 1992. Agreements on climate, biodiversity, and desertification were endorsed, and adopted principles that defined a fresh model for protecting our planet and our humanity. During the last three decades, these meetings have yielded key accords and goals for cutting emissions – from ending deforestation by 2030 to increasing renewable energy threefold.

More than three decades later, the world returns to Brazil to confront climate change. It is no coincidence that Cop30 takes place in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. This is an opportunity for politicians, diplomats, scientists, activists and journalists to observe the Amazon's actual conditions. We want the world to see the forests' real status, Earth's biggest river system, and the millions of people who live in the region. Cops cannot be mere showcases of good ideas or yearly meetings for delegates. They should serve as encounters with actuality and opportunities for real steps against environmental shifts.

To jointly address this emergency, financial support is essential. It's crucial to acknowledge that the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities stays as the fixed basis for all climate agreements. This is why developing nations call for increased resource availability – not as aid, but as fairness. Wealthy nations have gained the most from fossil fuel economies. They should now fulfill their obligations, not just through pledges but by repaying what they owe.

Brazil is doing its part. Within just two years, we have already halved deforestation in the Amazon, demonstrating that real environmental measures can work.

In Belém, we will launch a novel program for forest conservation: the Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF). Its novelty lies in functioning as a financial investment tool, not a donation mechanism. The TFFF will reward those who keep their forests standing and contributors to the fund. A true mutually beneficial strategy for addressing environmental issues. Leading by example, Brazil has pledged $1 billion to the TFFF, and we anticipate similarly bold pledges from other nations.

We also demonstrated leadership through becoming the second country to submit a fresh NDC. Brazil has committed to reducing its emissions from 59% to 67%, covering all greenhouse gases and all sectors of the economy. With this mindset, we urge all nations to propose similarly bold NDCs and to implement them effectively.

Shifting energy sources is crucial for achieving Brazil's climate goals. Our energy matrix is among the cleanest in the world, with 88% of our electricity coming from renewable sources. We excel in biofuel production and are advancing in wind, solar and green hydrogen energy.

Redirecting revenues from oil production 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, since an economic model reliant on fossil fuels cannot last.

Individuals should be the focus of political decisions about climate and the shift to clean energy. It's important to acknowledge that the most vulnerable sectors of our society suffer the most from environmental effects, which is why just transition and adaptation plans must aim to combat inequality.

It's crucial to remember that two billion individuals have no access to clean technologies and fuels for cooking, and 673 million people still live with hunger. In response, we are introducing in Belém a declaration on hunger, poverty and climate. Our pledge to combat climate change must be directly linked to the effort to end hunger.

It is also fundamental that we advance the reform of global governance. Currently, multilateralism suffers from the paralysis 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. At Cop30, we will advocate for establishing a UN climate council linked to the general assembly. It would be a new governance structure with the power and credibility to guarantee nations fulfill their pledges, and an effective step toward overcoming the present deadlock in global cooperation.

At every climate conference, numerous commitments are made yet few concrete actions follow. The time for intention statements is over: the time for action plans has arrived. That is why today we begin the “Cop of truth”.

Natalie Douglas
Natalie Douglas

A seasoned product reviewer with a passion for uncovering the best gadgets and gear for everyday life.