As COP30 wrapped up in Belém, Brazil, on November 22, 2025, many felt disappointed by the results. The meeting was expected to be a major step in fighting climate change, especially given its location near the Amazon, a critical ecosystem. But instead of concrete actions, the outcomes led to more questions about whether the global community is ready to tackle this urgent issue.
Belém was chosen for its significance, but not everyone felt the urgency. Reports highlighted how extreme weather affected the summit. Heavy rain and a fierce storm hit the city, turning discussions about climate into a real-life experience for attendees. This showed that climate change is not just a distant threat; it is already changing our environment.
The final agreement, called the Belém package, faced strong criticism. It notably failed to mention “fossil fuels,” despite their role as a major cause of global warming. Many experts and advocates were disappointed. Peter Espeut, a writer for The Gleaner, criticized the decision, noting that many countries, including Jamaica, pushed to move away from fossil fuels. He expressed concern that the term “sustainable” now feels empty, as real progress seems absent.
Recent findings amplify this concern. The 2025 Emissions Gap Report presented during COP30 reveals alarming projections: global temperatures could rise by 2.3°C to 2.8°C. This makes the Paris Agreement’s goal of keeping temperatures below 1.5°C seem nearly impossible unless significant changes happen quickly. Experts warn that global emissions must peak by 2025 and then decline by 43% by 2030. However, achieving these targets appears increasingly doubtful.
The summit also aimed to include indigenous voices. Over 5,000 indigenous delegates came to COP30, but only 360 were allowed into the main negotiation spaces. This stark contrast raised eyebrows, as many of those affected most by climate change were sidelined. Frustration grew among those pushing for more representation in climate discussions.
Despite the overall disappointment, COP30 did launch the Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF), which gained $6.7 billion in pledges for forest conservation. While this sounds promising, it’s just a fraction of the $125 billion needed to fully realize the initiative. The TFFF aims to reward countries that protect their tropical forests, particularly benefiting indigenous communities. Commitments came from countries like Norway, France, and Germany, but whether these funds will materialize remains uncertain.
This year’s summit also highlighted a growing feeling of fatigue related to climate issues. The public has been inundated with news of environmental disasters, leading some to feel powerless. Psychologists Gulnaz Anjum and Mudassar Aziz suggest we need stories of adaptation and resilience, rather than just bleak forecasts. Real-life experiences at COP30 reinforced this point, showing that climate change is not just a future dilemma but a current crisis affecting many lives.
Additions to the conversation included Dr. Fernando Barrio from Queen Mary University of London, who stated plainly that “there is no path to 1.5°C that does not involve ending deforestation this decade.” His words underline the urgency and complexity of addressing climate change effectively. As the world gears up for COP31 in Türkiye, the key question remains: will leaders truly respond to the lessons from Belém? The impacts of climate change are not just theoretical; they are manifesting in our communities and environments today.
For further insights about global climate behavior, you can refer to this [UN Climate Change Report](https://unfccc.int). The urgency is now more than ever, and the road ahead needs decisive action.
