At the COP30 climate talks in Belém, Brazil, a surprising number of over 1,600 fossil fuel lobbyists have been granted access. This is the largest representation of industry interests we’ve seen at any UN climate conference. For every 25 attendees, one is there for oil, gas, or coal companies. Only the Brazilian delegation, with 3,805 participants, has a larger presence.
A recent report from the Kick Big Polluters Out coalition highlights that this year’s figure shows a 12% rise in fossil fuel lobbyists compared to last year’s COP in Baku. Alarmingly, these lobbyists outnumber official delegates from numerous countries, often in staggering ratios.
For instance, in the Philippines, there is a shocking ratio of 50 lobbyists for every official delegate. Jamaica witnesses a similar scenario, with more than 40 lobbyists present, even as the nation deals with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. In total, lobbyists outnumber delegates from the ten most climate-vulnerable nations by two-thirds.
Trade associations are key players in this context. The International Emissions Trading Association alone brought 60 representatives, including staff from big names like ExxonMobil and BP. Other organizations, like the International Chamber of Commerce, had 148 participants. Some lobbyists even managed to attend under official government tags, raising questions about the integrity of the talks.
The influence of fossil fuel interests doesn’t come without criticism. Activists argue that allowing those who contribute to the climate crisis a seat at the table is counterproductive. “You cannot solve a problem by giving power to those who caused it,” says Jax Bongon from IBON International in the Philippines. After three decades of climate talks, the presence of so many fossil fuel lobbyists raises concerns among advocates for climate action.
Amid this backdrop, Brazil positions COP30 as the “Implementation COP.” Yet, activists worry it may instead favor corporate interests. “This is corporate capture, not climate governance,” says Lien Vandamme from the Center for International Environmental Law.
Adding to the urgency, 2025 is predicted to be one of the hottest years on record, with carbon dioxide levels at never-before-seen highs. Ironically, governments have green-lighted nearly $250 billion in new oil and gas projects since the previous COP, despite public commitments to reduce emissions.
This contradiction fosters an environment where negotiations may prioritize corporate profitability over genuine climate solutions. Developing nations, especially those in Africa and the Pacific, often arrive at these talks with limited resources, while lobby groups come equipped with substantial legal teams and direct access to key negotiators.
As these discussions unfold, it’s vital to consider who truly benefits and whether the goals of climate justice and global cooperation can ever flourish in such a landscape.
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Fossil fuelsCOP30, Climate summit, Brazil
