The Era of Eloquent Speeches and Good Intentions is Finished: Brazil's UN Climate Conference Will Be About 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 to ensure collective dedication 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 only in the Cops, and in international cooperation along with global diplomacy in general. This is the reason for convening leaders to the Amazon: to make this the “Cop of truth”, the occasion where we prove our collective dedication's gravity toward Earth.

People have demonstrated their capacity to conquer major obstacles through united efforts and scientific guidance. The ozone layer was safeguarded by us. Worldwide actions during the Covid-19 crisis proved that the world can act decisively with bravery and governmental determination.

Brazil hosted the Earth Summit in 1992. Agreements on climate, biodiversity, and desertification were endorsed, and adopted principles that defined a new paradigm for preserving our planet and our humanity. During the last three decades, these gatherings have produced important agreements and targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions – from ending deforestation by 2030 to increasing renewable energy threefold.

After over thirty years, global attention returns to Brazil to address the climate issue. It is no coincidence that Cop30 takes place deep within the Amazon jungle. It offers a chance for leaders, envoys, researchers, campaigners, and reporters to observe the Amazon's actual conditions. We want the world to see the forests' real status, the planet’s largest river basin, and the numerous inhabitants of the area. Climate conferences must not just display concepts or yearly meetings for delegates. They must be moments of contact with reality and of effective action to tackle climate change.

To jointly address this emergency, financial support is essential. And we must recognise that the concept of shared yet varied duties stays as the fixed basis of any climate pact. That is why the global south demands increased resource availability – not as aid, but justice. Wealthy nations have gained the most from the carbon-based economy. They must now rise to their responsibilities, not only by making commitments but by honouring their debts.

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

At Belém, we are introducing a novel program for forest conservation: the TFFF fund. Its novelty lies in functioning 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 countries.

We also set an example by being the second nation to present a new nationally determined contribution (NDC). Brazil has vowed to cut its emissions from 59% to 67%, including all emission types and every economic area. With this mindset, we urge all nations to propose similarly bold NDCs and to implement them effectively.

Shifting energy sources is crucial for achieving Brazil's climate goals. Our energy mix is one of the globe's greenest, as 88% of our power is renewable. We excel in biofuel production and are progressing in wind, solar, and green hydrogen.

Channeling oil earnings to finance a just, orderly and equitable energy transition is vital. Over time, global petroleum firms, including Brazil’s Petrobras, will evolve into energy providers, because a growth model based on fossil fuels is unsustainable.

Individuals should be the focus in climate policy choices and the energy transition. It's important to acknowledge that society's most at-risk groups are the most affected by the impacts of climate change, this is why equitable transition and adjustment strategies should target reducing disparities.

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

It is also fundamental that we advance the reform of global governance. Today, international cooperation is hindered by the stagnation of the UN security council. Created to preserve peace, it has not stopped conflicts. Hence, it is our responsibility to fight for the reform of this institution. At Cop30, we will advocate for the creation of a UN climate change council connected to the General Assembly. This would form a fresh governance framework with the force and legitimacy to guarantee nations fulfill their pledges, and a practical move towards reversing the current paralysis of the multilateral system.

At every climate conference, numerous commitments are made but see too few real commitments. The time for intention statements is over: the moment for implementation plans is here. This is why we commence today the "truthful Cop".

Deborah Brooks
Deborah Brooks

A passionate writer and home enthusiast sharing insights on decor and travel from across the UK.