Pooja Tilvawala is taking a big risk. She’s using over $46,000 of her own savings to help young people attend the United Nations climate summit in Brazil. With just a couple of months left, finding affordable lodging is getting tough. Many potential attendees are either struggling to secure a place or reconsidering their plans altogether.
Tilvawala, who is based in London, has dedicated hours to creating a housing portal for young activists wanting to join the conference in Belem. If not enough people sign up, she risks losing her deposits.
“There are always many fossil fuel representatives at these events. We need young voices to counter them,” she explains. As the founder of Youth Climate Collaborative, she believes it’s crucial for her generation to be heard.
As of now, only about 36% of countries attending the Conference of the Parties (COP30) have confirmed their participation. The countdown is on, which puts even more pressure on activists and delegates from poorer nations as hotel prices soar. Accommodations that used to be affordable are now charging hundreds of dollars per night.
The Brazilian government selected Belem not just for its location in the Amazon but to highlight challenges faced by developing cities. However, the steep costs raise concerns about how effective the talks will be if attendance drops significantly.
Housing Shortages and Solutions
To help, Climate Minister Marina Silva announced that special rooms would be set aside at “accessible prices” for vulnerable countries. They’ve even added two large cruise ships to accommodate as many as 6,000 people.
However, a letter from Simon Stiell, the U.N. Climate Change executive secretary, urged U.N. agencies to limit their delegations, further complicating matters. On top of that, a workers’ strike related to COP30 construction began recently, creating additional hurdles.
Expectations and Reality in Belem
Belem was initially excited to welcome the conference. Arnaldo Vaz Neto, a financial adviser and facilitator for visitors seeking housing, said local hospitality runs deep. However, the city is finding it challenging to meet the stringent standards set by the U.N.
Hotel prices at this conference are reportedly three to four times higher than usual. In fact, some local establishments are aiming for a staggering $1,000 a night. The government’s “accessible” options will cost between $200 and $600, which still makes participation difficult for many.
Despite these challenges, Brazilian officials remain optimistic. They expect to host around 50,000 participants, which is more than the number of available beds. This might seem counterintuitive given that COP30 is a pivotal moment for countries to revise their carbon reduction goals.
Voices of Concern
These high accommodation prices are making it harder for activists, NGOs, and representatives from poorer countries to attend. Hailey Campbell from Care About Climate, an NGO focused on youth, said her group has never faced such challenges regarding housing. They recently raised awareness about the issue using the hashtag #DontPriceUsOut on social media.
Many who usually attend are now reconsidering or have already made the tough choice not to go. Hikaru Hayakawa, director of Climate Cardinals, indicated he has heard from many who can’t afford the trip. Losing this opportunity could hinder the development of global networks that are crucial for climate action.
As this situation unfolds, it’s clear that the financial and logistical hurdles could reshape the dialogue at COP30. If more voices are silenced, the impact on future climate negotiations could be significant.
For more details on the upcoming COP30 and housing issues, you can visit the official U.N. climate change site.
