Juan Carlos Monterrey Gomez, head of Panama’s delegation for climate talks, expressed his frustration after a recent meeting about accommodations for COP30 in Belém, Brazil. He described the situation as “insanity,” highlighting the shocking price ranges for hotel stays—from $200 to $3,700 a night. Some packages even exceed $50,000 for the entire conference. This is more than ten times the prices seen at previous summits, and hotels are requiring minimum stays of 10 to 15 nights with non-refundable reservations.
With the conference just two months away, many delegations still struggle to find lodging. A survey from the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) revealed that only 18 countries had secured accommodations, mostly from wealthier nations. Meanwhile, 87% of those yet to book cited prices as a major barrier. The Brazilian government claimed that 61 countries had found places to stay, but this still represents just a quarter of expected participants.
Expert opinions suggest that the accommodation crisis may impact participation and collaboration at COP30. Dr. Emily Harrison, an environmental policy expert, warns, “High costs can deter nations from attending. It’s crucial for every voice to be heard.”
Social media reactions have echoed this disappointment. Many players in the climate discussion have taken to platforms like Twitter to vent frustration over logistical challenges, which could hinder the effectiveness of the conference.
In the context of climate negotiations, this situation brings to mind past summits. For example, COP21 in Paris saw a strong turnout and easier logistics, allowing for impactful agreements. In contrast, the current challenges in Belém may replicate the difficulties faced during COP25 in Madrid, where venue issues diminished focus.
As this situation unfolds, it reveals deeper concerns about access to climate change discussions. If participation remains limited due to high costs, vital decisions about our planet’s future could be compromised. The stakes are high, and all eyes will be on how Brazil addresses these hurdles in the coming weeks.
For more on COP30 and its developments, stay tuned to UNFCCC’s official website.
