An Age of Fine Speeches and Good Aims is Over: The UN Climate Conference Focuses On Concrete Steps
Today, within Brazil's Amazon region, the Belém summit opens ahead of the UN's 30th climate summit (Conference of the Parties 30). I have convened world leaders in the days leading up to the conference to ensure collective dedication to acting with the urgency the climate crisis demands.
If we fail to move beyond speeches into real action, our societies will lose faith – not only in the Cops, but in multilateralism along with global diplomacy in general. This is the reason for convening officials to the rainforest: to establish this as the "truthful Cop", the moment we demonstrate our collective dedication's gravity to the planet.
Humanity has shown its ability to conquer major obstacles when it acts together and scientific guidance. The ozone layer was safeguarded by us. Worldwide actions during the Covid-19 crisis 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 fresh model for protecting our planet and our humanity. During the last three decades, these gatherings have produced important agreements and goals for cutting emissions – from ending deforestation by 2030 to increasing renewable energy threefold.
After over thirty years, global attention returns to Brazil to address the climate issue. There's a reason why Cop30 is being held in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. It offers a chance for leaders, envoys, researchers, campaigners, and reporters to witness the reality of the Amazon. We want the world to see the forests' real status, Earth's biggest river system, and the millions of people who live in the region. Climate conferences must not just display concepts or annual gatherings for negotiators. They should serve as encounters with actuality and of effective action to tackle climate change.
To confront this crisis together, we need resources. It's crucial to acknowledge that the concept of shared yet varied duties remains the non-negotiable foundation of any climate pact. That is why the global south demands greater access to resources – not as aid, but justice. Rich countries have benefited the most from fossil fuel economies. They should now fulfill their obligations, not just through pledges but by repaying what they owe.
Brazil is fulfilling its role. In only two years, Amazon deforestation has been cut by half by us, showing that concrete climate action is possible.
In Belém, we will launch an innovative initiative to preserve forests: the Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF). It is innovative because it operates as an investment fund, not a donation mechanism. The TFFF will reward those who keep their forests standing and those who invest in the fund. A genuine win-win approach to tackling climate change. Leading by example, Brazil has pledged $1 billion to the TFFF, and we expect equally ambitious announcements from other nations.
We also demonstrated leadership through becoming the second country to submit a fresh NDC. Brazil has vowed to cut its emissions from 59% to 67%, covering all greenhouse gases and all sectors of the economy. With this mindset, we urge all nations to propose similarly bold NDCs and to execute them thoroughly.
The energy transition is fundamental to meeting Brazil’s NDC. Our energy matrix is among the cleanest in the world, with 88% of our electricity coming from renewable sources. We excel in biofuel production and are advancing in wind, solar and green hydrogen energy.
Redirecting revenues from oil production to fund a fair, structured energy shift is vital. In the long run, oil companies worldwide, including Brazil’s Petrobras, will transform into energy companies, since an economic model reliant on fossil fuels is unsustainable.
Individuals should be the focus in climate policy choices and the energy transition. We must recognise that society's most at-risk groups are the most affected by the impacts of climate change, this is why equitable transition and adjustment strategies should target reducing disparities.
It's crucial to remember that two billion individuals have no access to clean cooking methods and fuels, and 673 million people still live with hunger. In response, we are introducing in Belém a declaration on hunger, poverty and climate. Our commitment to fight global warming should be closely tied to the effort to end hunger.
It is also fundamental that we advance the reform of global governance. Today, international cooperation is hindered by the stagnation within the UN Security Council. Established to maintain peace, it has not stopped conflicts. It is our duty, therefore to fight for the reform of this institution. During Cop30, we will push for the creation of a UN climate change council linked to the general assembly. It would be a new governance structure with the force and legitimacy to ensure that countries deliver on their promises, and a practical move towards reversing the current paralysis in global cooperation.
During each environmental summit, we hear many promises yet few concrete actions follow. The time for intention statements is over: the time for action plans has arrived. This is why we commence today the "truthful Cop".