By Abdullahi Lukman
Andre Correa do Lago, president of the upcoming COP30 climate summit, has acknowledged the limitations of global climate negotiations and emphasized the urgent need to translate past promises into concrete action.
In a letter to nations, Correa do Lago, a veteran climate negotiator, expressed concern about the perception that COP summits are dominated by talk with “meagre results.”
He stressed the necessity to move beyond mere negotiation and focus on implementing existing agreements, particularly in light of the escalating climate crisis.
Correa do Lago highlighted the “limits” of the UN climate process and the Paris Agreement, calling for a more holistic approach to tackling global warming.
He urged for a shift towards practical implementation, emphasizing the need to connect the abstract nature of negotiations to real-world solutions.
With COP30 scheduled for November in Belem, Brazil, countries will be assessed on their national climate plans and pledges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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However, Correa do Lago acknowledged the challenging international context, marked by geopolitical tensions and shifting priorities.
Despite these challenges, he called for a collective effort, invoking the Indigenous concept of “mutirao,” where communities unite to overcome shared challenges.
He urged governments, the private sector, civil society, and academia to actively participate in the summit.
The COP30 presidency aims to foster collaboration through a “circle of presidencies” involving past COP leaders and Indigenous representatives.
The summit will also feature a “Global Ethical Stocktake” to gather diverse perspectives on climate action.
While acknowledging the importance of Indigenous knowledge and renewable energy, stakeholders like 350.org and Indigenous organizations are calling for stronger commitments on phasing out fossil fuels and ensuring meaningful Indigenous participation in decision-making processes.
They emphasize that COP30 must prioritize concrete action and implementation to address the urgent climate crisis.
