Ambassador André Aranha Corrêa do Lago of Brazil emphasized scientific respect and cooperation in climate action during his address to the U.N. General Assembly. Hosting COP30 in November, he expressed optimism despite the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. Corrêa do Lago acknowledges the critical role of diverse funding and the necessity to limit temperature rise to 1.5 degrees. He draws inspiration from his grandfather’s diplomatic legacy in navigating the climate crisis.
In his inaugural address to the U.N. General Assembly as president of the upcoming climate talks, Ambassador André Aranha Corrêa do Lago of Brazil emphasized the importance of adhering to scientific guidelines in climate action. He asserted that Brazil believes there can be no advancement for humanity without significant cooperation among nations. Brazil will host the COP30 summit in Belém this November.
Corrêa do Lago acknowledged challenges such as escalating storms and droughts related to climate change, alongside the financial implications of addressing these disasters. He noted that the high costs associated with mitigating climate impacts hinder these efforts.
The United States, a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, has recently indicated its intention to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, which seeks to keep global temperature increases below 2 degrees Celsius. Corrêa do Lago remains optimistic about advancing climate initiatives and plans to engage with other nations and the private sector to fill the void left by the U.S. withdrawal.
Time is critical, as emphasized by Corrêa do Lago: “If we believe in science and climate urgency, we cannot wait four years” for a different U.S. administration. With a distinguished background in diplomacy, he draws upon his family’s legacy, particularly that of his grandfather Oswaldo Aranha, a renowned diplomat and president of the U.N. General Assembly in 1947.
Aranha’s accomplishments, including his pivotal role in the formation of Israel, remain influential today. Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon remarked on Aranha’s exceptional contributions, highlighting the continuation of his legacy in Israel. As Corrêa do Lago navigates the complexities of climate diplomacy, he reflects on his grandfather’s impact.
In follow-up questions, Corrêa do Lago expressed confidence that climate issues retain significant global attention despite current geopolitical conflicts. He emphasized the need for diverse funding sources to support climate initiatives, stating that the approach should integrate climate considerations across the global economy. He contended that limiting temperature rise to 1.5 degrees is crucial to avoiding catastrophic climate events.
While acknowledging his grandfather’s legacy, Corrêa do Lago expressed humility regarding his own role: “I don’t know if I carry on, but I’ll try.”
Ambassador André Aranha Corrêa do Lago of Brazil highlights the necessity of scientific respect and international cooperation in addressing climate challenges as he prepares for the COP30 summit. Despite setbacks such as the potential U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, he remains committed to driving global climate action forward. The legacy of his grandfather, Oswaldo Aranha, continues to inspire his diplomatic efforts and emphasizes the importance of collaboration in the climate crisis.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
