An Age of Eloquent Addresses and Good Intentions is Finished: 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). Leaders have been gathered by me world leaders during the period before the conference to ensure collective dedication to taking swift measures with the necessary speed that the environmental emergency requires.

If we fail to move beyond speeches into real action, our societies will lose faith – not only in the Cops, but in multilateralism and international politics more broadly. This is the reason for convening officials to the rainforest: to establish this as the "truthful Cop", the occasion where we prove the seriousness of our shared commitment toward Earth.

People have demonstrated their capacity to overcome great challenges 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 when there is courage and political will.

Brazil hosted the Earth Summit in 1992. We approved the conventions on climate, biodiversity and desertification, and adopted principles that defined a fresh model for protecting our planet and our humanity. Over the past 33 years, these meetings have yielded key accords and goals for cutting emissions – from ending deforestation by 2030 to increasing renewable energy threefold.

More than three decades later, global attention returns to Brazil to address the climate issue. There's a reason why Cop30 is being held 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 true state of the forests, Earth's biggest river system, and the millions of people who live in the region. Climate conferences must not just display concepts or yearly meetings for delegates. 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 concept of shared yet varied duties 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 justice. Rich countries have benefited the most from the carbon-based economy. They should now fulfill their obligations, not just through pledges but by honouring their debts.

Brazil is doing its part. In only two years, we have already halved deforestation in the Amazon, demonstrating that real environmental measures can work.

In Belém, we will launch an innovative initiative to preserve forests: the TFFF fund. It is innovative because it operates as a financial investment tool, not a donation mechanism. The fund will compensate forest preservers and those who invest in the fund. A genuine win-win approach to tackling climate change. Leading by example, Brazil has pledged $1 billion to the TFFF, and we expect equally ambitious announcements 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 by 59% to 67%, covering all greenhouse gases and every economic area. With this mindset, we call on all countries to propose similarly bold NDCs and to execute them thoroughly.

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

Redirecting revenues from oil production to finance a just, orderly and equitable energy transition will be essential. Over time, global petroleum firms, including Brazil’s Petrobras, will transform into energy companies, because a growth model based on fossil fuels is unsustainable.

Individuals should be the focus of political decisions about climate and the energy transition. It's important to acknowledge that the most vulnerable sectors of our society are the most affected by the impacts of climate change, this is why equitable transition and adjustment strategies must aim to combat inequality.

We cannot forget that two billion individuals have no access to clean cooking methods and fuels, and 673 million people still live with hunger. In response, we will launch in Belém a statement on hunger, poverty, and climate. Our pledge to combat climate change should be closely tied to the fight against hunger.

It is equally essential that we push for changes in international governance. Today, international cooperation is hindered by the stagnation within the UN Security Council. Created to preserve peace, it has not stopped conflicts. It is our duty, therefore to fight for the reform of this institution. During Cop30, we will push for the creation of a UN climate change council connected to the General Assembly. This would form a fresh governance framework with the power and credibility to ensure that countries deliver on their promises, and an effective step toward reversing the current paralysis in global cooperation.

At every climate conference, we hear many promises yet few concrete actions follow. The time for intention statements is over: the time for action plans has arrived. This is why we commence today the “Cop of truth”.

Paul Thomas
Paul Thomas

Tech enthusiast and digital strategist with a passion for emerging technologies and their impact on society.