By Abdullahi Lukman
A diverse group of global climate activists, Indigenous leaders, and community representatives gathered in Brasília, Brazil, to demand a just energy transition as part of the upcoming COP30 conference.
The protest, staged outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Itamaraty) on Tuesday, featured a large banner created by Brazilian artist Mundano.
The 30-foot artwork, made using ashes from wildfires in the Amazon, carried the message: “Brazil, lead the just energy transition at COP30.”
The action was a direct response to a letter delivered to the COP30 presidency during the Free Land Camp, which was signed by over 180 organizations and thousands of individuals worldwide.
The letter, accompanied by an online petition with support from 98 countries, calls for urgent measures to phase out fossil fuels, prioritize a just energy transition, and center Indigenous leadership in climate negotiations at COP30.
This demonstration is part of the “Renew Our Power” event organized by 350.org, an international climate action organization.
The event brings together over 200 climate leaders from more than 70 countries in Brazil, focusing on advancing renewable energy solutions at the community level, a critical step on the path to COP30.
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Cacique Jonas Mura, an Indigenous leader from the Amazon, emphasized Brazil’s role in shaping the future of global climate policy.
“Brazil needs to lead the way toward the end of the fossil era and the beginning of a just and popular energy transition,” he stated.
He also called for the demarcation of Indigenous lands and greater respect for Indigenous peoples’ rights, noting that ongoing fossil fuel exploitation undermines these efforts.
Mundano, the Brazilian artivist behind the banner, explained the power of artivism in raising climate awareness. “Artivism is an essential tool for tackling the climate emergency, as it reaches people in ways that numbers and data alone no longer do,” he said.
Savio Carvalho, Head of Regions at 350.org, echoed the call for Brazil to take immediate action. “As the hosts of COP30, Brazil has the opportunity to lead and implement the commitments made at previous climate negotiations. It’s time for Brazil to transition away from fossil fuels and triple its renewable energy capacity by 2030,” he urged.
Representatives from the frontlines of the climate crisis also voiced their concerns. Portia Adu Mensah of 350 Ghana Reducing Our Carbon emphasized the need for clean, reliable renewable energy.
“Communities on the frontlines need guaranteed access to renewable energy, especially as fossil fuel projects like the East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline continue to harm both the environment and local communities,” she said.
In a similar vein, Serena Mendizábal from Sacred Earth Canada stressed the importance of ensuring that new energy systems do not marginalize Indigenous communities. “Indigenous wisdom and leadership are crucial to addressing the climate crisis at COP30 and beyond,” she said.
As Brazil prepares to host COP30, these leaders are urging the country to live up to its potential as a global climate leader by committing to a just, equitable, and sustainable energy transition that benefits all people, especially those most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
