An Era of Fine Speeches and Noble Aims is Finished: The Cop30 Will Be About Action

Today, within Brazil's Amazon region, the Belém conference commences prior to the 30th United Nations climate change conference (Conference of the Parties 30). I have convened world leaders during the period before the conference to ensure collective dedication to acting with the urgency the climate crisis demands.

Should we not progress past rhetoric to tangible steps, our societies will lose faith – not just in climate conferences, and in international cooperation and international politics more broadly. That is why I have summoned leaders to the Amazon: to establish this as the "truthful Cop", the occasion where we prove the seriousness of our shared commitment to the planet.

Humanity has shown its ability to overcome great challenges when it acts together and scientific guidance. The ozone layer was safeguarded by us. The global response to the Covid-19 pandemic showed that decisive global action is possible 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 new paradigm for preserving our planet and our humanity. Over the past 33 years, these meetings have yielded key accords and goals for cutting emissions – including halting deforestation by 2030 to increasing renewable energy threefold.

After over thirty years, the world returns to Brazil to confront climate change. 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 forests' real status, the planet’s largest river basin, and the numerous inhabitants of the area. Climate conferences must not just display concepts or annual gatherings for negotiators. They must be moments of contact with reality and opportunities for real steps against environmental shifts.

To jointly address this emergency, we need resources. It's crucial to acknowledge that the concept of shared yet varied duties stays as the fixed basis of any climate pact. That is why the global south demands greater access to resources – not out of charity, but justice. Rich countries have benefited the most from fossil fuel economies. They must now rise to their responsibilities, not just through pledges but by repaying what they owe.

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 an innovative initiative to preserve forests: the Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF). Its novelty lies in functioning as a financial investment tool, 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 to tackling climate change. Leading by example, Brazil has announced an investment of $1bn in the TFFF, and we expect equally ambitious announcements from other countries.

We also demonstrated leadership through becoming the second country to present a new nationally determined contribution (NDC). Brazil has committed to reducing its emissions by 59% to 67%, covering all greenhouse gases and all sectors of the economy. In this spirit, we call on all countries to present equally ambitious NDCs and to implement them effectively.

Shifting energy sources is crucial 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 are a leader in biofuels and are advancing in wind, solar and green hydrogen energy.

Redirecting revenues from oil production to finance a just, orderly and equitable energy transition is vital. Over time, oil companies worldwide, such as Brazil's Petrobras, will evolve into energy providers, since an economic model reliant on fossil fuels cannot last.

People must be at the centre in climate policy choices and the energy transition. We must recognise that the most vulnerable sectors of our society are the most affected by the impacts of climate change, which is why just transition and adaptation plans should target reducing disparities.

We cannot forget that two billion individuals have no access to clean cooking methods and fuels, and 673 million people still live with hunger. To address this, we will launch in Belém a statement 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, multilateralism suffers from the paralysis of the UN security council. Established to maintain peace, it has not stopped conflicts. Hence, it is our responsibility to advocate for reforming this body. During Cop30, we will push for establishing a UN climate council connected to the General Assembly. It would be a new governance structure with the power and credibility to guarantee nations fulfill their pledges, and a practical move towards overcoming the present deadlock in global cooperation.

During each environmental summit, numerous commitments are made but see too few real commitments. The era of declarations of good intentions has ended: the moment for implementation plans is here. That is why today we begin the "truthful Cop".

Jessica Fisher
Jessica Fisher

A tech-savvy writer passionate about blockchain innovations and virtual reality gaming, with years of experience in the crypto casino industry.