André Aranha Corrêa Do Lago, COP30 president, calls for climate summits to transform from rhetoric to action, advocating for wider collaboration across institutions and sectors. As COP30 approaches, he emphasizes the urgency of adaptation, the necessity for a “Circle of Presidencies” for collective governance, and the importance of addressing root causes of climate change.
Brazil’s COP30 president, André Aranha Corrêa Do Lago, emphasized the urgent need for climate summits to transition from mere rhetoric to substantive action. In a vision statement, he advocated for a paradigm shift where agreements lead to economic and social reforms. He asserted that finding solutions outside the traditional multilateral framework is crucial, urging collaboration with institutions like the IMF and World Bank while engaging civil society and the private sector for real change.
In addressing the geopolitical context ten years post-Paris Agreement, Ambassador Do Lago acknowledged the challenges posed by shifting international focus, including the diminishing role of the US under its current administration. He expressed optimism, however, suggesting that this complexity opens avenues for broader engagement. Do Lago noted the technological capabilities of the US and its critical role in climate solutions despite expected limitations in participation.
A new initiative proposed by Brazil, the “Circle of Presidencies,” aims to foster collaboration among past COP presidents to guide climate governance. Brazilian authorities plan to stimulate honest discussions about the obstacles to climate ambitions, particularly as countries prepare to submit updated climate plans. Their goal encompasses a substantial increase in climate finance to developing nations to ensure that financial resources reach $1.3 trillion annually by 2035.
Do Lago highlighted pressing issues such as the just transition work program and the dialogue on the Global Stocktake outcomes, urging a diverse dialogue involving various stakeholders, including scientists and indigenous leaders. Observers have positively received his comprehensive vision, although concerns remain that COP30 should yield tangible results rather than hollow commitments.
Additionally, adapting to climate impacts has become an imperative. Do Lago called for countries to embrace communal efforts, as depicted by the indigenous Brazilian concept of mutirão, to foster collaborative negotiations, particularly regarding the mitigation work program. He addressed the crucial need for agreement on global adaptation indicators to unlock essential financial support, emphasizing that adaptation is now intrinsically linked to overall climate action.
As COP30 is set in the Amazon, Brazil aims to highlight forests’ vital role in combating climate change while also stressing the necessity to confront the root causes of the crisis, including fossil fuel reliance. Voices from indigenous organizations echoed the need for greater ambition and action to protect and restore vital ecosystems.
The upcoming COP30 summit, under Brazil’s leadership, seeks to unify diverse stakeholders for actionable climate solutions, moving beyond dialogue to implementation. Emphasizing adaptation and collaborative approaches, the presidency aims to address historical challenges and advance financial commitments necessary for sustainable progress. The emphasis on forest protection underscores a holistic approach, recognizing its importance in combatting climate change while urging action against its root causes.
Original Source: www.climatechangenews.com
