Brazil is hosting COP30 and recently released a first draft deal aimed at bridging differences among nearly 200 nations. The UN climate talks are underway in Belem, a city in the rainforest, where President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva is returning to help finalize an agreement.
The nine-page draft highlights key issues: trade measures, financial support for poorer nations, and the need for stronger national carbon-cutting commitments. EU climate chief Wopke Hoekstra expressed mixed feelings about the proposals, particularly around finance and trade. He emphasized the importance of honoring previous agreements and not being distracted by new disputes.
Negotiations have been intense and are expected to wrap up by Friday, although past summits often extended beyond deadlines. Observers noted that Brazil’s quick release of the draft indicated confidence in reaching an agreement soon. Climate analyst Li Shuo remarked that this draft is one of the earliest clean texts in recent COP history.
Interestingly, the draft reveals deep divisions. Some nations want a clear plan to phase out fossil fuels, while others, especially oil-producing countries, resist this. One proposal suggests holding workshops on low-carbon solutions, while another option suggests no action at all.
In an effort to strengthen commitments, the draft proposes annual assessments of national climate pledges instead of the current five-year cycle. Additionally, it calls for wealthy nations to triple their financial aid to developing countries for climate adaptation by 2030 or 2035—a key demand from poorer nations. Vanuatu’s climate change minister underlined that “climate finance is not charity; it’s a legal and moral obligation.”
Trade concerns are also on the table, especially as China pushes back against unilateral measures like the EU’s carbon pricing policy on imports. Four proposals have emerged, including the idea of a summit to address climate-related trade disputes under the UN.
Lula’s return to Belem on Wednesday is seen as an attempt to accelerate negotiations, encouraging swift resolutions among delegates. The atmosphere is tense but hopeful, with the aim of showing that global cooperation on climate change remains strong, even when some major players are absent, like the United States.
The challenges are significant, but persistent calls for collaboration echo throughout the summit. As Kiribati’s representative pointed out, “We must show the world that multilateralism is alive.” The next few days will be critical in shaping the future of our planet’s climate policies.
