By Abbas Nazil
World leaders, climate experts, and activists are gathering in Belem, Brazil, for the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference, known as COP30, to discuss ways to curb the escalating effects of climate change.
The annual summit aims to strengthen global cooperation against human-induced climate challenges that continue to endanger billions of lives.
Experts warn that despite growing awareness, the world is veering off track from meeting climate goals set in previous agreements.
Belem, located at the gateway of the Amazon, is expected to spotlight the crucial role of Indigenous peoples, forests, and agriculture in mitigating climate impacts.
The Brazilian government is launching a new initiative, the Tropical Forests Forever Facility, to financially reward countries that protect tropical forests.
However, the success of the program will depend on the level of global financial support it attracts.
Logistical challenges have also marked preparations for the summit.
Concerns were raised about the city’s capacity to host tens of thousands of delegates, with some attendees resorting to cruise ships and makeshift accommodations.
The Brazilian government, however, insists Belem’s setting reflects the real impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities.
This year’s meeting comes a decade after the landmark Paris Agreement, which sought to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Since then, global temperatures have increased by about 0.46 degrees Celsius, a sharp jump that scientists say threatens to derail the Paris goals.
While renewable energy progress offers hope, experts note that most countries’ climate plans remain insufficient.
No new major deal is expected at COP30, which has been dubbed the “implementation COP,” focusing on fulfilling past promises and boosting adaptation funding.
Former UN climate chief Christiana Figueres emphasized that success will depend on real action rather than new pledges.
Many, however, remain skeptical, fearing the talks may end without meaningful results.