COP30 chief André Aranha Corrêa do Lago stresses the importance of global unity in combating climate change in light of tensions surrounding climate funding, particularly from the US. He calls for increased cooperation to uphold the legacy of UN climate discussions and expedite the Paris Agreement’s implementation. Countries express grievances regarding unmet financial commitments, while anticipation builds for the crucial climate summit in Belém, Brazil, scheduled for November.
André Aranha Corrêa do Lago, the COP30 president and Brazil’s representative, emphasized the necessity of global cooperation for climate action amid emerging tensions regarding development funding, particularly from the US. In his inaugural address at UN headquarters, he expressed Brazil’s commitment to building upon the multilateral foundation established by previous UN climate discussions, aiming to accelerate implementation of the Paris Agreement.
Corrêa do Lago reiterated, “Brazil has the firm conviction that there is no future progress for humanity without deep, rapid and sustained cooperation among all countries.” His remarks are particularly important against the backdrop of former President Donald Trump’s administration, which sowed skepticism towards climate agreements and financial commitments.
Recent data from the EU’s Copernicus climate information service revealed disturbing trends, with February 2025 recorded as the third-warmest globally and alarming declines in polar sea ice. These developments highlight the urgent need for action as countries reiterated their funding demands at the UN meeting, with the G77 group underscoring unmet expectations for aid from wealthier nations following COP29.
During COP29, wealthy countries pledged to allocate at least $300 billion annually by 2035 to enhance climate action in vulnerable nations, yet critics deemed this response insufficient. At the current UN meeting, divisions among countries resurfaced, with Australia and the EU advocating for increased private sector contributions instead of government funding.
In November, nations will convene in Belém, Brazil, to finalize a financial roadmap aimed at mobilizing $1.3 trillion yearly for climate action by 2035. The gathering will focus on commitments, including new nationally determined contributions (NDCs) aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Corrêa do Lago acknowledged a pivotal agreement at COP28 to transition from fossil fuel dependency. However, subsequent negotiations have shown reluctance from some countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, to prioritize fossil fuel discussions, leaving the commitment’s future uncertain.
The COP30 president indicated that while he refrained from overt criticism of fossil fuels, the Global Stocktake process serves as a guide for necessary international cooperation to achieve climate targets. Challenges facing Brazil’s climate leadership were highlighted, particularly against President Lula da Silva’s controversial oil drilling proposals in sensitive areas of the Amazon.
Key players including India and China have asserted that developed nations must lead in climate ambition, with China urging more substantial commitments and actions. As countries prepare their NDCs ahead of COP30, the atmosphere remains tense, with major emitters working to finalize their plans in a timely manner.
The upcoming summit will take place in Belém, raising logistical concerns about accommodating thousands of delegates, given the city’s limited infrastructure. Corrêa do Lago acknowledged these challenges while underscoring the significance of the COP30 meeting location in the Amazon rainforest, stating that the symbolic value outweighs organizational difficulties.
COP30 President André Aranha Corrêa do Lago has called for global solidarity to address climate change, emphasizing that cooperative progress is vital for humanity’s future. The ongoing tensions regarding funding and historical grievances among nations highlight the complex landscape of climate commitments. As countries prepare for the upcoming summit in Belém, Brazil, the urgency for ambitious actions and financial support reinforces the imperative for a united global response to the escalating climate crisis.
Original Source: www.climatechangenews.com
