In Brazil, COP30 and the moment of truth

Today (November 6, 2025), in the Brazilian Amazon, the Belém Summit opens ahead of the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30). World leaders convened here in the days leading up to the COP so that we can all commit to acting with the urgency that 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 also in multilateralism and international politics more broadly. That is why I have summoned leaders to the Amazon: 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 when it acts together and guided by science. We protected the ozone layer. The global response to the COVID-19 pandemic proved that the world can act decisively when there is courage and political will. #### Back to Brazil Brazil hosted the Earth Summit in 1992. We approved the Conventions on Climate Change, Biological Diversity and Combating Desertification, and adopted principles that defined a new paradigm for preserving our planet and our humanity. Over the past 33 years, these gatherings have produced important agreements and targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions — from ending deforestation by 2030 to tripling renewable energy use. ## Related Stories • Ahead of COP30, UNEP flags widening climate adaptation finance gap Ahead of COP30, UNEP flags widening climate adaptation finance gap • Environment Minister heads to Brazil for key pre-COP talks Environment Minister heads to Brazil for key pre-COP talks • COP30 talks loom as major emitters dither on updating climate goals COP30 talks loom as major emitters dither on updating climate goals • COP30 talks loom as major emitters dither on updating climate goals COP30 talks loom as major emitters dither on updating climate goals • COP-30 to focus on known solutions, says its President COP-30 to focus on known solutions, says its President More than three decades later, the world has returned to Brazil to confront climate change. It is no coincidence that COP30 takes place in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. This is an opportunity for politicians, diplomats, scientists, activists and journalists to witness the reality of the Amazon. We want the world to see 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 annual gatherings for negotiators. They must be moments of contact with reality and of effective action to tackle climate change. To confront this crisis together, we need resources. And we must recognise that the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities remains the non-negotiable foundation of any climate pact. That is why the Global South demands greater access to resources — not out of charity, but justice. Rich countries have benefited the most from the carbon-based economy. They must now rise to their responsibilities, not only by making commitments but also by honouring their debts. ## Related Stories • European Union agrees on new emissions targets before global climate summit in Brazil European Union agrees on new emissions targets before global climate summit in Brazil • U.S. not sending any high-level officials to COP30 climate talks in Brazil: White House U.S. not sending any high-level officials to COP30 climate talks in Brazil: White House • India, Brazil could play a key role in shaping climate talks: COP30 President-Designate India, Brazil could play a key role in shaping climate talks: COP30 President-Designate Brazil is doing its part. In just two years, we have already halved deforestation in the Amazon, showing that concrete climate action is possible. #### A move to preserve forests, other measures 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 announced a $1 billion investment in the TFFF, and we expect equally ambitious announcements from other countries. We also set an example by becoming the second country to present a new Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). Brazil has committed to reducing its emissions by 59% to 67%, covering all greenhouse gases and all sectors of the economy. In this spirit, we call on all countries to present equally ambitious NDCs and to implement them effectively. 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 lead in biofuels and are advancing in wind, solar and green hydrogen energy. Redirecting revenues from oil production to finance a just, orderly and equitable energy transition will be essential. Over time, oil companies worldwide, including Brazil’s Petrobras, will transform into energy companies, because a growth model based on fossil fuels cannot last. People must be at the centre of political decisions about climate and the energy transition. We must recognise that the most vulnerable sectors of our society are the most affected by the impacts of climate change, which is why just transition and adaptation plans must aim to combat inequality. We cannot forget that two billion people lack access to clean technologies and fuels for cooking, and 673 million still live with hunger. In response, we will launch in Belém, a ‘Declaration on Hunger, Poverty and Climate’. Our commitment to fight global warming must be directly linked to the fight against hunger. #### The need for a climate change council It is also fundamental that we advance the reform of global governance. Today, multilateralism suffers from the paralysis of the United Nations Security Council. Created to preserve peace, it has failed to prevent wars. It is our duty, therefore, to fight for the reform of this institution. At COP30, we will advocate the creation of a UN Climate Change Council linked to the General Assembly. It would be a new governance structure with the force and the legitimacy to ensure that countries deliver on their promises, and an effective step toward reversing the current paralysis of the multilateral system. At every Climate Conference, we hear many promises but see too few real commitments. The era of declarations of good intentions has ended: the time for action plans has arrived. That is why, today, we begin the COP of Truth. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is the President of Brazil Published - November 06, 2025 12:16 am IST ### Related Topics climate change / United Nations (climate change) / Brazil / forests / international relations / politics / Coronavirus / greenhouse gases / renewable energy / economy (general) / wind energy / solar / finance (general) / green technologies