The Age of Eloquent Addresses and Noble Intentions is Over: The Cop30 Will Be About Action
Today, in the Brazilian Amazon, the Belém summit opens ahead of the UN's 30th climate summit (Conference of the Parties 30). I have convened world leaders during the period before the conference so that we can all commit to taking swift measures with the necessary speed the climate crisis demands.
Should we not progress past speeches into real action, our societies will lose faith – not only in the Cops, and in international cooperation and international politics more broadly. That is why I have summoned officials to the rainforest: to establish this as the "truthful Cop", the occasion where we prove the seriousness of our shared commitment toward Earth.
Humanity has shown its ability to conquer major obstacles through united efforts and scientific guidance. 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. We approved the conventions on climate, biodiversity and desertification, and principles were embraced that established a new paradigm for preserving Earth and humankind. During the last three decades, these gatherings have produced important agreements and targets for reducing greenhouse gas 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. There's a reason why Cop30 is being held deep within the Amazon jungle. This is an opportunity for politicians, diplomats, scientists, activists and journalists to witness the reality of the Amazon. Our aim is for global observation of the true state of the forests, the planet’s largest river basin, and the numerous inhabitants of the area. Cops cannot be mere showcases of good ideas or yearly meetings for delegates. They should serve as encounters with actuality and of effective action to tackle climate change.
To jointly address this emergency, financial support is essential. And we must recognise that the concept of shared yet varied duties stays as the fixed basis of any climate pact. This is why developing nations call for greater access to resources – not out of charity, but as fairness. Wealthy nations have gained 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 fulfilling its role. Within just 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 Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF). It is innovative because it operates as a financial investment tool, rather than a charity system. The TFFF will reward those who keep their forests standing and contributors to the fund. A genuine win-win approach for addressing environmental issues. Leading by example, Brazil has announced an investment of $1bn in the TFFF, and we expect equally ambitious announcements from other countries.
We also set an example by becoming the second country to submit a fresh NDC. Brazil has committed to reducing its emissions by 59% to 67%, including all emission types and all sectors of the economy. With this mindset, we urge all nations to propose similarly bold NDCs and to implement them effectively.
The energy transition is fundamental to meeting Brazil’s NDC. Our energy mix is one of the globe's greenest, with 88% of our electricity coming from renewable sources. We excel in biofuel production and are progressing in wind, solar, and green hydrogen.
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 cannot last.
Individuals should be the focus in climate policy choices and the shift to clean energy. We must recognise that society's most at-risk groups suffer the most from environmental effects, which is why just transition and adaptation plans should target reducing disparities.
It's crucial to remember that two billion individuals have no access to clean cooking methods and fuels, and 673 million people still live with hunger. To address this, we are introducing in Belém a statement on hunger, poverty, and climate. Our commitment to fight global warming must be directly linked to the effort to end hunger.
It is equally essential 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 failed to prevent wars. It is our duty, therefore to fight for the reform of this institution. At Cop30, we will advocate for the creation of a UN climate change council linked to the general assembly. It would be a new governance structure with the power and credibility to ensure that countries deliver on their promises, and a practical move towards reversing the current paralysis in global cooperation.
During each environmental summit, we hear many promises 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”.