SINGAPORE – Attending COP30 in Brazil initially felt like a challenge. With so many countries involved, I doubted how much could be accomplished amidst geopolitical conflicts and varying budgets. Would 200 nations really agree on actions to fight climate change? Plus, I couldn’t help but think about the carbon footprint from my flights.
But being there in person changed my perspective. COP30 is a major event for global climate discussions, drawing over 56,000 participants, making it the second-largest summit ever. Even if countries come away with less than expected, such gatherings foster new collaborations and bring attention to critical issues.
For instance, activists from regions impacted by climate change, like the Philippines, passionately highlighted their needs. One speaker reminded everyone of the recent storms that devastated their islands, emphasizing the urgency for support.
Throughout the summit, various groups protested and held discussions, providing a wider lens on climate issues beyond formal negotiations. For example, some indigenous activists blocked entry to the summit, fighting for their right to be heard amid development pressures in the Amazon. Others used creative tactics, like displaying stuffed capybaras, to draw attention to funding gaps for climate initiatives.
While formal agreement can be slow, nations are taking action on the sidelines. Colombia and the Netherlands announced plans to co-host a separate event focused on phasing out fossil fuels, showing leadership where consensus within the summit has stalled.
Despite the tensions during the proceedings, progress is still being made. The latest UN climate report suggests that global temperatures could rise between 2.3 and 2.5 degrees Celsius by 2100, an improvement from last year’s estimates. This indicates that ongoing discussions and renewed climate targets are making a difference.
At COP30, the experiences were not just theoretical. Delegates faced high temperatures, unexpected downpours, and even a fire that halted negotiations for hours. This shared experience underscored the real and pressing impact of climate change on those gathered.
Brazil’s National Secretary of Urban Environment, Adalberto Maluf, emphasized the difficulties of living with extreme heat. He highlighted that we are not prepared for the climate challenges we’re facing.
The fire itself became a metaphor for our collective vulnerability. After the incident, the COP30 president quoted Mohamed Adow, director of Power Shift Africa. He stressed that even in chaos, people showed incredible solidarity. Delegates helped one another, regardless of their backgrounds, truly illustrating that cooperation is rooted in our shared humanity.
Suddenly, amidst the disarray, it became clear: while the road ahead is tough, coming together is essential. It’s in these moments that hope and action intertwine.
For further insights, check the UN Environment Programme’s latest reports on climate commitments here.
