BELÉM, Brazil—At the COP30 climate conference, the United Nations has raised serious concerns about conditions at the venue. Reports indicate participants are facing stifling heat, leaking roofs, and malfunctioning restrooms. Security worries have also surfaced after unauthorized demonstrators managed to enter the negotiation area.
UNFCCC Executive Secretary Simon Stiell highlighted the extreme indoor temperatures, which have made it uncomfortable for attendees. “Immediate action is needed to protect the health of delegates and maintain effective operations,” he stated in a letter addressing the situation.
Recent research shows Brazil is experiencing more frequent and severe heatwaves linked to climate change. A study in 2025 suggested that rising temperatures are tied to greater violence, including rising homicide rates. During the conference, temperatures in Belém have consistently reached around 90°F with high humidity and daily rainstorms.
Delegations have expressed frustration over the poor quality of their office spaces, which do not meet UNFCCC standards. Many facilities, like some restrooms, are inoperable.
In an effort to cool the venue, organizers turned up the air conditioning, creating loud indoor winds that make it hard to communicate. This setup is a challenge for a conference meant for discussions and negotiations.
Research indicates that poor indoor environmental conditions can impair cognitive function. Heat and certain materials from temporary structures can release harmful chemicals, impacting health and decision-making. Kerry Kinney, an environmental engineering professor at the University of Texas, suggests that these issues could hinder crucial negotiations.
After a protest where around 150 demonstrators entered the venue without credentials, the UNFCCC has called for tightened security. Despite the presence of federal police, they were instructed not to intervene, raising questions about future security at the event.
The Human Rights & Climate Change Working Group criticized the UNFCCC’s call for more security, arguing it could negatively impact human rights, particularly for Indigenous Peoples and activists. They pointed out that increasing security measures could suppress legitimate protest and further marginalize defenders of land and the environment.
U.N. experts warn that crackdowns on environmental dissent threaten democratic values. In 2024, U.N. special rapporteur Michel Forst highlighted the importance of protecting those who protest peacefully for their rights.
The International Indigenous Peoples Forum on Climate Change echoed these sentiments, stating that calls for increased security reflect the violence and suppression Indigenous Peoples and defenders face across their territories.
In summary, the COP30 conference in Belém is grappling with issues that extend beyond climate discussions. As participants raise alarms about health, safety, and security, the consequences of these challenges could have lasting impacts on both the negotiations and the rights of those involved.
For further insights into the connection between climate, health, and societal impacts, refer to this recent study that provides valuable information about rising heat-related issues in Brazil.
