Will Latin America Unite for COP30? Exploring a Collaborative Future for Climate Action

This November, the United Nations’ climate change talks, known as COP30, will return to Latin America for the first time in over a decade. Held in Belém, Brazil, for two weeks, the summit will gather governments, businesses, and civil organizations to tackle pressing climate issues like energy shifts and forest conservation.

The last COP in Latin America was held in Lima, Peru, in 2014, just before the Paris Agreement was established. Other cities like Buenos Aires and Cancún have also hosted these talks. Interestingly, Santiago planned to host in 2019, but riots led to a location change to Spain.

Latin American countries have been vocal participants in climate negotiations since the early ’90s. This time, there appears to be a stronger sense of unity. Many nations recognize their high vulnerability to climate impacts, and they also possess significant resources for renewable energy and forest conservation.

Experts have noted that this summit presents a vital chance for the region to display its leadership. According to Natalie Unterstell, president of the Brazilian think tank Talanoa, “We have no new coal projects, and we’re advancing rapidly in renewable energy. We are ready to show our solutions to the world.”

In past negotiations, Latin American countries often acted individually rather than as a cohesive unit. Jimena Nieto Carrasco, a former member of the Colombian delegation, pointed out this fragmentation and the challenges it poses for consensus-building. Yet, groups like the Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC) foster some collaboration on broader environmental issues.

Historical milestones illustrate the potential for regional impact. For instance, the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro highlighted climate change as a pressing global challenge, and the 1997 Kyoto Protocol set the stage for emissions targets. Critics argue that while the region has made meaningful contributions to climate debates, it struggles with coordination in negotiations.

Experts like Alejandra López Carbajal of Transforma affirm that Latin America’s past has seen significant negotiations, including the critical roles played during the Paris Agreement talks. The contributions and initiatives of Colombia and Peru, alongside AILAC, showcase the potential for collective action, even amid fragmentation.

As November approaches, many Latin American nations are prepared to present a united front at COP30. Recent discussions among environmental agencies from 22 countries in Mexico laid the groundwork for collaboration. They expressed urgency in moving away from fossil fuels while highlighting the need for enhanced financing to support climate initiatives.

Manuel Pulgar-Vidal, a noted leader in climate and energy at the World Wildlife Fund, believes COP30 will be pivotal. He asserts that “the COP must show that, even without strong political will, the economy can provide the momentum needed for substantial change.”

The spotlight is on Brazil as it leads the efforts at COP30 amid ongoing environmental crises. If the region can harness its shared interests and diverse strengths, it may emerge stronger from these discussions, paving the way for concrete action on climate change.

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Climate diplomacy,Geopolitics,Negotiations