Asian Leaders Unite for Ethical Climate Solutions: Paving the Way to COP30 – Insights from Ponta Porã Informa

This Monday, September 1st, New Delhi was the stage for the third Regional Dialogue of the Global Ethical Stocktake (GES). This initiative aims to guide discussions leading up to COP30, the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference in Belém.

Twenty-two diverse participants, including climate activists, scientists, and government officials, came together to reflect on how we can ethically fight climate change. The main goal? To align climate actions with science and meet the Paris Agreement’s target of keeping global warming within 1.5°C.

As participants reaffirmed their commitment to the COP30 objectives, they acknowledged the pressing need for action against the climate crisis, especially for communities already facing its harsh impacts. Notable attendees included Brazil’s Minister of the Environment, Marina Silva; Nobel Peace Prize winner Kailash Satyarthi; and COP30 President André Corrêa do Lago.

Minister Silva stressed the importance of value-based ethics in addressing the climate emergency. She shared alarming statistics: around 500,000 lives are lost annually due to heatwaves linked to climate change. This emphasizes the urgency of collective action.

Kailash Satyarthi highlighted, “Our planet is on fire. The time for business as usual is over.” He urged for a shift towards global compassion and cooperative efforts to combat climate injustice.

The GES encourages introspection on progress made and actions still needed to achieve the 1.5°C goal. It draws inspiration from the Global Stocktake under the Paris Agreement, finalized at COP28 in the UAE.

Recent surveys indicate that public concern about climate change is rising. According to a 2023 study by the Pew Research Center, over 70% of people in various countries view climate change as a major threat. This growing awareness calls for a stronger ethical commitment toward implementation.

The UAE Consensus, established at COP28, lays out essential targets. These include tripling renewable energy capacity and halting deforestation. Silva pointed out that the challenge now lies not in identifying what needs to be done but in finding the courage to act.

Led by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the GES will produce six regional reports by this October. These insights will guide leaders during the climate negotiations.

André Corrêa do Lago emphasized the importance of incorporating diverse societal views in these discussions. He remarked, “In international negotiations, it’s countries that are often heard. But ultimately, it’s about people.”

The series of Regional Dialogues continues, with plans for meetings across continents until October 2025. Each dialogue aims to empower local communities and engage them in the discussions.

With climate change being a pressing global matter, these dialogues serve as a crucial platform for collaboration and ethical reflection, pointing the way forward for COP30 and beyond. For further insights, visit the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.

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