By Abdullahi Lukman
Brazilian Environment and Climate Change Minister, Marina Silva, participated in the final day of the *Renew Our Power* (ROP) event, held in Brazil.
The gathering, organized by 350.org, brought together over 200 climate leaders from more than 70 countries to discuss renewable energy and the necessary steps towards a just energy transition.
The event served as a significant milestone in preparation for COP30.
Silva, who is leading the “Global Ethical Balance” initiative proposed by Brazilian President Lula, emphasized the urgency of aligning global decisions with the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
She reinforced the need for concrete action to address the root cause of climate change—the use of fossil fuels.
“If we don’t set targets and stop using fossil fuels, we won’t be able to move forward,” Silva said, stressing that 2025 must be a turning point in climate action.
The minister’s visit coincided with protests by activists from around 20 countries who gathered outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Brazil.
The protesters, including Indigenous groups from the Amazon and the Pacific Ocean, called for the end of fossil fuel use, the prioritization of Indigenous and traditional leadership, and a just energy transition at COP30.
The protesters presented a letter to the COP30 presidency, signed by over 180 organizations and thousands of supporters, demanding that the COP30 agenda focus on these critical issues.
Silva highlighted the importance of integrating traditional and Indigenous knowledge into the renewable energy transition, stating, “Science can anticipate a lot, but we must also value narrative knowledge and ancestral wisdom, which has proven to be consistent with what is necessary for the planet.”
She called for COP30 to be a space for learning from these communities, who are often at the forefront of climate solutions.
The event also featured speeches from various global climate leaders, including Cacique Ninawa, an Indigenous leader from the Huni Kui people in Brazil, who called for political courage to eliminate fossil fuel use and accelerate the energy transition.
“We Indigenous and traditional peoples are the true climate authorities and guardians of the planet,” Ninawa said.
Ilan Zugman, Director for Latin America and the Caribbean at 350.org, noted that Silva’s participation sent a strong signal that Brazil is hearing the call for inclusive climate action.
He added, “We won’t accept anything less than a just energy transition, with Indigenous and traditional leadership at the center of COP30 discussions.”
The event also garnered support from George Nacewa, a Pacific Climate Warrior from Fiji, who emphasized the critical need for action at COP30. “The age of deliberation is long past,” Nacewa said. “It’s time to turn words into action and ensure a just renewable energy transition.”
As the Brazilian government prepares for COP30, Silva’s participation at ROP underscores the country’s commitment to ensuring that climate justice, Indigenous leadership, and a just energy transition remain central to global climate discussions.