Less than two weeks before the climate summit in Belém, Brazil, many groups from the UN and NGOs are having to cut back their attendance. High hotel prices and tight budgets are making it hard to send full delegations.
This year’s summit, running from November 6 to 21, brings a fresh atmosphere, as it will be the first held in the Amazon. Brazilian officials are promising a space for open dialogue, protests, and local experiences. However, with Belém being one of Brazil’s poorest cities, many are worried that only well-funded delegates will make it.
Budget Battles and Participation Challenges
Costs for lodging have skyrocketed, often reaching thousands of dollars per night. In response, Simon Stiell, the UNFCCC executive secretary, encouraged organizations to limit their attendance. Traditional reporting from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) may not happen on-site this year due to budget constraints, despite the critical data they usually provide for decision-making.
As a result of funding cuts in global health, the World Health Organization (WHO) is also scaling back its presence. They plan to focus their efforts while still ensuring they engage in key discussions.
NGOs are facing similar difficulties. Many are sending only local staff, hoping to make their presence felt with a streamlined approach. For example, Médecins Sans Frontières is mainly sending its Brazilian members. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is also minimizing travel to ensure cost-effectiveness.
Despite the challenges, some organizations, like the International Labour Organization and the World Wide Fund for Nature, are still planning to attend.
Accommodation Crisis
Around 50,000 people are expected at Cop30, a decrease from the record numbers at past summits. The local hospitality scene, however, is struggling: many rooms are priced above $150 a night, with little affordable availability near the conference center. Some delegates have mentioned staying in quirky or low-quality accommodations due to lack of options.
Concerns about the high costs have led some countries to reconsider their attendance. For instance, Chad’s delegation and others have indicated they may not travel to Belém, suggesting these funds might serve better purposes at home.
The Voice of the People
Civil society groups fear that issues surrounding housing will limit the voices of those most affected by climate change. A report from Global Witness highlighted that, at previous summits, fossil fuel lobbyists outnumbered representatives from the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries.
Over 200 NGOs have signed a letter urging for strong measures against corporate influence, pointing to inconsistencies in how climate actions are prioritized versus corporate interests. Camilla Pollera from the Center for International Environmental Law expressed concerns that many worthily need to be heard may find themselves excluded due to financial barriers.
Key Issues on the Agenda
Despite these challenges, some believe the focus must stay on pressing issues. Gabrielle Swaby from ACT2025 emphasized that the housing situation should not overshadow critical discussions. Key topics expected to be addressed include updated carbon-cutting targets and climate finance commitments.
Just recently, the WMO noted that CO2 emissions soared to record levels in 2024, adding urgency to negotiations. The debate around global climate financing also looms large, especially with discussions about doubling adaptation funding becoming critical for many developing nations.
In conclusion, while the upcoming summit holds potential for vital discussions, logistical hurdles are shaping up to influence who will be able to voice their perspectives. The challenge remains balancing participation while addressing the urgent needs of the planet.
For ongoing updates and deeper understanding of these issues, you can follow initiatives by organizations like Global Witness and reports from the World Meteorological Organization.
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Climate change,Budget,Cop30
