What's happened
As the COP30 climate summit approaches in Belém, Brazil, challenges mount due to economic turmoil and the U.S. withdrawal from climate agreements under Trump. President André Corrêa do Lago warns of an uphill battle to secure commitments from nations to combat climate change effectively.
What's behind the headline?
Key Challenges Ahead
- U.S. Withdrawal Impact: The absence of U.S. leadership in climate negotiations under Trump raises doubts about global commitment to emission reductions.
- Economic Turmoil: Ongoing economic issues may distract countries from prioritizing climate action, complicating negotiations.
- Local Infrastructure Issues: Belém faces criticism for inadequate preparations, including hotel shortages and traffic congestion, which could hinder participation.
Potential Outcomes
- Increased Pressure on Developing Nations: Countries may feel pressured to scale back their climate commitments if major economies like the U.S. do not lead by example.
- Focus on Economic Benefits: Corrêa do Lago emphasizes the need to showcase the economic advantages of transitioning to cleaner energy, which could motivate countries to act despite challenges.
- Public Participation: The summit aims to engage civil society more than previous COPs, potentially leading to greater accountability and action from governments.
What the papers say
According to Oliver Milman in The Guardian, COP30 President André Corrêa do Lago described the upcoming summit as a 'slightly uphill battle' due to the U.S.'s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and the economic turmoil affecting global climate negotiations. He noted that while no countries have officially scaled back their climate plans, the lack of U.S. commitment could influence other nations' actions.
In contrast, Jonathan Watts highlights the local challenges in Belém, where preparations for the summit have led to environmental concerns, including deforestation for infrastructure projects. Despite these issues, the state governor insists that the event will be beneficial for local residents and aims to involve civil society more than in previous summits. This juxtaposition of local and global challenges underscores the complexity of the upcoming negotiations.
How we got here
The upcoming COP30 summit in November 2025 is set against a backdrop of global economic instability and the U.S.'s retreat from climate action. This context raises concerns about the commitment levels of participating nations.
Go deeper
- What specific challenges does Belém face for the summit?
- How might the U.S. absence affect global climate negotiations?
- What are the expected outcomes of COP30?
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