In November 2025, the world came together in Brazil for the 30th annual Conference of Parties (COP30), part of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. This was a significant moment, as it marked a decade since the Paris Agreement was signed by 194 nations. The aim was to keep global warming below two degrees Celsius. However, recent studies show that to stay on track, we need a 43% reduction in emissions by 2030. That’s a tall order.
Known as the “COP of implementation,” COP30 aimed to turn promises into real actions. A big achievement from this conference was the “Belém Package.” This initiative, accepted by nearly all participating countries, aims to triple adaptation finance by 2035. This will help vulnerable nations deal with climate impacts. Yet, it’s important to note that the document includes no legally binding commitments, which left some advocates feeling uneasy.
This year was especially notable as the U.S. did not attend for the first time. China took a leading role in clean technology discussions, emphasizing the need to link trade policies to climate action. For the first time, negotiators from multiple countries explored how these policies can affect climate goals and how to attract investments in green energy.
Despite fossil fuels being a major contributor to climate change, there was a reluctance to address this in the official agenda. Irene Vélez Torres, Colombia’s Minister of Environment, stressed the importance of establishing a clear roadmap for phasing out fossil fuels. Many left feeling disappointed that, by the end of the conference, there wasn’t a detailed plan for fossil fuel reduction or deforestation, although this was a key issue for Brazil. Activist groups passionately demanded stronger protections for indigenous lands, and their numbers were particularly high this year.
Looking ahead, the next climate summit will be in Turkey in 2026. The focus will likely shift to managing the expected overshoot of 1.5 degrees Celsius in global temperatures. In a hopeful turn, 24 countries have formed a coalition to move away from fossil fuels, planning a conference in Colombia later in 2026 to create a concrete action plan for a just energy transition.
It’s clear that while progress was made at COP30, the road ahead remains challenging. The urgency of climate action grows stronger, and it’s crucial for all countries to step up and implement viable solutions.
Source link
activists,Brazi,conference of parties,cop30,indigenous,Indigenous Environmental Network,International Conference on Climate Change,Paris accord,Paris climate
