The Era of Eloquent Addresses and Good Intentions is Finished: Brazil's UN Climate Conference Focuses On Concrete Steps

Today, within Brazil's Amazon region, the Belém summit opens ahead of the UN's 30th climate summit (Cop30). Leaders have been gathered by me world leaders in the days leading up to 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 rhetoric to tangible steps, public trust will diminish – not only in the Cops, and in international cooperation along with global diplomacy in general. That is why I have summoned officials to the rainforest: to make this the “Cop of truth”, the moment we demonstrate 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. We protected the ozone layer. 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 principles were embraced that established a new paradigm for preserving our planet and our humanity. During the last three decades, these meetings have yielded key accords and targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions – including halting deforestation by 2030 to tripling renewable energy capacity.

After over thirty years, the world returns to Brazil to confront climate change. 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 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 greater access to resources – not as aid, but as fairness. Rich countries have benefited the most from fossil fuel economies. They should now fulfill their obligations, 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, showing that concrete climate action is possible.

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, rather than a charity system. The fund will compensate forest preservers and those who invest in the fund. A true mutually beneficial strategy for addressing environmental issues. Setting an example, Brazil has pledged $1 billion to the TFFF, and we anticipate similarly bold pledges from other countries.

We also set an example by being the second nation to present a new nationally determined contribution (NDC). Brazil has committed to reducing its emissions from 59% to 67%, covering all greenhouse gases and every economic area. With this mindset, we call on all countries to propose similarly bold NDCs and to execute them thoroughly.

Shifting energy sources is crucial for achieving Brazil's climate goals. 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 fund a fair, structured energy shift is vital. In the long run, oil companies worldwide, such as Brazil's Petrobras, will transform into energy companies, since an economic model reliant on fossil fuels is unsustainable.

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.

We cannot forget 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 will launch in Belém a statement on hunger, poverty, and climate. Our commitment to fight global warming must be directly linked to the fight against hunger.

It is also fundamental that we advance the reform of global governance. Today, multilateralism suffers from the paralysis within 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. During Cop30, we will push for the creation of a UN climate change council linked to the general assembly. This would form a fresh governance framework with the force and legitimacy to guarantee nations fulfill their pledges, and an effective step toward overcoming the present deadlock in global cooperation.

During each environmental summit, we hear many promises but see too few real commitments. The era of declarations of good intentions has ended: the time for action plans has arrived. This is why we commence today the "truthful Cop".

Victoria Webb
Victoria Webb

A passionate educator and researcher with expertise in STEM fields and a commitment to student success.