Brazil is gearing up to host the 30th United Nations Climate Summit (COP30) in the city of Belém, the gateway to the Amazon rainforest, amid mixed global reactions and growing frustration over slow climate action.
The conference, which runs from November 10 to 21, comes just months after two-thirds of the 195 countries that signed the Paris Climate Agreement missed the deadline to submit updated climate action plans.
Experts say that even the new plans submitted by 64 countries this year do little to accelerate global efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Many fear the world is still far from meeting its targets to limit temperature rise and prevent the worst effects of climate change.
Belém, one of Brazil’s poorer cities, sits on the edge of the fragile Amazon rainforest — often called the “lungs of the world.” The location is symbolic, but also controversial, as the region continues to struggle with deforestation and economic challenges.
This year’s summit is not expected to produce a new major deal. Instead, it is being described as the “implementation COP,” focused on turning years of pledges into real policies, funding, and action to reduce global warming and stop deforestation.
The talks come at a difficult time, marked by global economic instability and waning commitment from major players. U.S. President Donald Trump has dismissed climate change as a “con job” and will not attend the summit, nor will he send any senior officials.
Adding to the urgency, scientists confirmed that in 2024 the planet’s average temperature exceeded the 1.5°C limit for an entire year — a threshold long considered the point at which climate impacts become dangerously severe.
As COP30 begins, world leaders, activists, and scientists are calling for fewer promises and more tangible steps to safeguard the planet’s future.