An Era of Fine Speeches and Noble Aims is Over: The Cop30 Focuses On Action

Today, within Brazil's Amazon region, the Belém conference commences prior to 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 so that we can all commit to taking swift measures with the necessary speed the climate crisis demands.

Should we not progress past speeches into real action, our societies will lose faith – not just in climate conferences, and in international cooperation along with global diplomacy in general. This is the reason for convening officials to the rainforest: to establish this as the "truthful Cop", the occasion where we prove our collective dedication's gravity to the planet.

People have demonstrated their capacity to conquer major obstacles through united efforts and is guided by science. We protected the ozone layer. Worldwide actions during the Covid-19 crisis proved that the world can act decisively with bravery and governmental determination.

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 fresh model for protecting Earth and humankind. During the last three decades, these meetings have yielded key accords and goals for cutting emissions – including halting deforestation by 2030 to tripling renewable energy capacity.

More than three decades later, the world returns to Brazil to address the climate issue. It is no coincidence that Cop30 takes place in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. It offers a chance for leaders, envoys, researchers, campaigners, and reporters to observe the Amazon's actual conditions. Our aim is for global observation of the true state of the forests, Earth's biggest river system, 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 of effective action to tackle climate change.

To jointly address this emergency, financial support is essential. It's crucial to acknowledge that the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities remains the non-negotiable foundation for all climate agreements. This is why developing nations call for greater access to resources – not as aid, but as fairness. Rich countries have benefited 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. In only two years, Amazon deforestation has been cut by half by us, showing that concrete climate action is possible.

At Belém, we are introducing an innovative initiative to preserve forests: the Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF). Its novelty lies in functioning as an investment fund, rather than a charity system. The TFFF will reward those who keep their forests standing and contributors to the fund. A true mutually beneficial strategy for addressing environmental issues. Setting an example, Brazil has announced an investment of $1bn in the TFFF, and we expect equally ambitious announcements from other nations.

We also demonstrated leadership through being the second nation to present a new nationally determined contribution (NDC). Brazil has committed to reducing its emissions from 59% to 67%, covering all greenhouse gases and every economic area. With this mindset, we call on all countries to present equally ambitious NDCs and to execute them thoroughly.

The energy transition is fundamental for achieving Brazil's climate goals. 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 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, such as 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 shift to clean energy. We must recognise that the most vulnerable sectors of our society suffer the most from environmental effects, which is why just transition and adaptation plans must aim to combat inequality.

It's crucial to remember that 2 billion people lack access to clean cooking methods and fuels, and over 673 million face hunger. In response, we will launch in Belém a declaration on hunger, poverty and climate. Our commitment to fight global warming should be closely tied to the effort to end hunger.

It is equally essential that we advance the reform of global governance. Today, international cooperation is hindered by the stagnation within the UN Security Council. Established to maintain peace, it has not stopped conflicts. It is our duty, therefore to advocate for reforming this body. At Cop30, we will advocate for the creation of a UN climate change council linked to the general assembly. It would be a new governance structure 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, numerous commitments are made yet few concrete actions follow. The time for intention statements is over: the moment for implementation plans is here. That is why today we begin the "truthful Cop".

Richard Mitchell
Richard Mitchell

A tech enthusiast and business strategist with over a decade of experience in digital transformation and startup consulting.