The Era of Eloquent Addresses and Good Aims is Finished: The UN Climate Conference Focuses On Action

Today, within Brazil's Amazon region, the Belém conference commences prior to the 30th United Nations climate change conference (Cop30). Leaders have been gathered by me global heads of state during the period before the conference to ensure collective dedication to acting with the urgency that the environmental emergency requires.

Should we not progress past speeches into real action, our societies will lose faith – not just in climate conferences, but in multilateralism and international politics more broadly. This is the reason for convening officials to the rainforest: to make this the “Cop of truth”, the moment we demonstrate the seriousness of our shared commitment to the planet.

Humanity has shown its ability to overcome great challenges through united efforts and is guided by science. We protected the ozone layer. The global response to the Covid-19 pandemic showed that decisive global action is possible with bravery and governmental determination.

Brazil hosted the Earth Summit in 1992. Agreements on climate, biodiversity, and desertification were endorsed, and adopted principles that defined a new paradigm for preserving Earth and humankind. Over the past 33 years, these meetings have yielded key accords and goals for cutting emissions – from ending deforestation by 2030 to tripling renewable energy capacity.

After over thirty years, global attention returns to Brazil to address the climate issue. There's a reason why Cop30 is being held deep within the Amazon jungle. It offers a chance for leaders, envoys, researchers, campaigners, and reporters to observe the Amazon's actual conditions. Our aim is for global observation of the true state of the forests, the planet’s largest river basin, and the millions of people who live in the region. Cops cannot be mere showcases of good ideas or yearly meetings for delegates. They must be moments of contact with reality and opportunities for real steps against environmental shifts.

To confront this crisis together, financial support is essential. It's crucial to acknowledge that the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities remains the non-negotiable foundation of any climate pact. This is why developing nations call for increased resource availability – not out of charity, but as fairness. Wealthy nations have gained the most from fossil fuel economies. They must now rise to their responsibilities, not only by making commitments but by honouring their debts.

Brazil is fulfilling its role. Within just two years, we have already halved deforestation in the Amazon, demonstrating that real environmental measures can work.

At Belém, we are introducing a novel program for forest conservation: the TFFF fund. It is innovative because it operates as a financial investment tool, rather than a charity system. The TFFF will reward those who keep their forests standing and contributors to the fund. A genuine win-win approach for addressing environmental issues. Leading by example, Brazil has announced an investment of $1bn in the TFFF, and we expect equally ambitious announcements from other countries.

We also demonstrated leadership through being the second nation to submit a fresh NDC. Brazil has committed to reducing its emissions by 59% to 67%, covering all greenhouse gases and all sectors of the economy. With this mindset, we urge all nations to present equally ambitious NDCs and to execute them thoroughly.

The energy transition is fundamental for achieving Brazil's climate goals. Our energy mix is one of the globe's greenest, with 88% of our electricity coming from renewable sources. We are a leader in biofuels and are progressing in wind, solar, and green hydrogen.

Redirecting revenues from oil production to finance a just, orderly and equitable energy transition will be essential. In the long run, oil companies worldwide, including Brazil’s Petrobras, will evolve into energy providers, since an economic model reliant on fossil fuels cannot last.

Individuals should be the focus in climate policy choices and the energy transition. It's important to acknowledge that society's most at-risk groups suffer the most from environmental effects, which is why just transition and adaptation plans should target reducing disparities.

It's crucial to remember that two billion individuals have no access to clean technologies and fuels for cooking, and 673 million people still live with hunger. To address this, we are introducing in Belém a declaration on hunger, poverty and climate. Our pledge to combat climate change must be directly linked to the effort to end hunger.

It is also fundamental that we advance the reform of global governance. Currently, multilateralism suffers from the paralysis within the UN Security Council. Created to preserve peace, it has failed to prevent wars. Hence, it is our responsibility to fight for the reform of this institution. During Cop30, we will push for establishing a UN climate council linked to the general assembly. It would be a new governance structure with the force and legitimacy to guarantee nations fulfill their pledges, and a practical move towards reversing the current paralysis in global cooperation.

At every climate conference, numerous commitments are made yet few concrete actions follow. The era of declarations of good intentions has ended: the moment for implementation plans is here. This is why we commence today the "truthful Cop".

Wendy Johnson
Wendy Johnson

An avid hiker and travel writer with a passion for exploring Italy's hidden natural gems and sharing outdoor adventures.