An Era of Eloquent Addresses and Noble Intentions is Over: The UN Climate Conference Focuses On Concrete Steps

Today, in the Brazilian Amazon, the Belém summit opens ahead of the UN's 30th climate summit (Conference of the Parties 30). I have convened global heads of state in the days leading up to the conference so that we can all commit to taking swift measures with the necessary speed the climate crisis demands.

Should we not progress past rhetoric to tangible steps, public trust will diminish – not just in climate conferences, but in multilateralism along with global diplomacy in general. This is the reason for convening leaders to the Amazon: to make this the “Cop of truth”, the moment we demonstrate our collective dedication's gravity to the planet.

People have demonstrated their capacity to overcome great challenges through united efforts and is guided by science. The ozone layer was safeguarded by us. Worldwide actions during the Covid-19 crisis showed that decisive global action is possible when there is courage and political will.

The Earth Summit was held in Brazil back in 1992. We approved the conventions on climate, biodiversity and desertification, and principles were embraced that established a new paradigm for preserving Earth and humankind. During the last three decades, these gatherings have produced important agreements and goals for cutting emissions – from ending deforestation by 2030 to increasing renewable energy threefold.

After over thirty years, global attention returns to Brazil to confront climate change. It is no coincidence that Cop30 takes place in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. This is an opportunity for politicians, diplomats, scientists, activists and journalists to observe the Amazon's actual conditions. We want the world to see the true state of the forests, the planet’s largest river basin, and the numerous inhabitants of the area. Cops cannot be mere showcases of good ideas or annual gatherings for negotiators. They should serve as encounters with actuality and opportunities for real steps against environmental shifts.

To confront this crisis together, we need resources. And we must recognise that the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities remains the non-negotiable foundation of any climate pact. This is why developing nations call for greater access to resources – not out of charity, but as fairness. Wealthy nations have gained the most from fossil fuel economies. They must now rise to their responsibilities, not only by making commitments but by repaying what they owe.

Brazil is doing its part. Within just two years, Amazon deforestation has been cut by half by us, demonstrating that real environmental measures can work.

In Belém, we will launch a novel program for forest conservation: the Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF). It is innovative because it operates as an investment fund, not a donation mechanism. The fund will compensate forest preservers and contributors to the fund. A genuine win-win approach for addressing environmental issues. Leading by example, Brazil has pledged $1 billion to the TFFF, and we anticipate similarly bold pledges from other nations.

We also demonstrated leadership through becoming the second country to submit a fresh NDC. Brazil has committed to reducing its emissions by 59% to 67%, including all emission types and every economic area. In this spirit, we urge all nations to present equally ambitious NDCs and to execute them thoroughly.

The energy transition is fundamental to meeting Brazil’s NDC. Our energy matrix is among the cleanest in the world, with 88% of our electricity coming from renewable sources. We excel in biofuel production and are advancing in wind, solar and green hydrogen energy.

Redirecting revenues from oil production to fund a fair, structured energy shift is vital. Over time, oil companies worldwide, such as Brazil's Petrobras, will transform into energy companies, since an economic model reliant on fossil fuels is unsustainable.

People must be at the centre in climate policy choices and the energy transition. It's important to acknowledge that the most vulnerable sectors of our society suffer the most from environmental effects, this is why equitable transition and adjustment strategies should target reducing disparities.

We cannot forget that two billion individuals have no access to clean technologies and fuels for cooking, and 673 million people still live with hunger. To address this, we are introducing in Belém a declaration on hunger, poverty and climate. Our commitment to fight global warming must be directly linked to the effort to end hunger.

It is equally essential that we push for changes in international governance. Today, multilateralism suffers from the paralysis within the UN Security Council. Established to maintain peace, it has failed to prevent wars. Hence, it is our responsibility to fight for the reform of this institution. During Cop30, we will push for establishing a UN climate council connected to the General Assembly. This would form a fresh governance framework with the force and legitimacy to ensure that countries deliver on their promises, and an effective step toward overcoming the present deadlock of the multilateral system.

At every climate conference, numerous commitments are made but see too few real commitments. The era of declarations of good intentions has ended: the time for action plans has arrived. This is why we commence today the “Cop of truth”.

Cynthia Vang
Cynthia Vang

A tech enthusiast and writer with a background in computer science, sharing experiences and tips on modern web trends.