Brazil, as the COP30 presidency, successfully brokered a compromise climate agreement aimed at increasing financial support for developing nations affected by climate change. Notably absent from the deal was any explicit mention of the role of fossil fuels in driving global warming. Despite the absence of the United States’ official delegation, Brazil emphasized the importance of global cooperation in addressing climate change impacts.
The negotiations in Belém, Brazil, lasted two weeks and culminated in the agreement, revealing significant disagreements on the future direction of climate action. Following intense discussions, the conference president, André Corrêa do Lago, acknowledged the challenges faced during the negotiations, recognizing that some countries had higher ambitions for certain issues.
Several nations, including Colombia, Panama, and Uruguay, voiced objections to the final deal for not adequately addressing greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel use. Colombia’s representative emphasized the need for scientific validity in climate agreements, stating that an agreement reached under climate denialism was destined to fail.
The European Union, in alliance with Colombia and other nations, advocated for language promoting a transition away from fossil fuels in the agreement. Conversely, a group of countries led by Saudi Arabia opposed any mention of fossil fuels in the deal. Ultimately, the EU agreed not to block the final agreement, albeit expressing reservations about its content.
The summit introduced an initiative to accelerate climate action voluntarily and called for developed countries to triple their financial support to aid developing nations in adapting to climate change by 2035. Developing nations stressed the urgency of receiving funds to combat the impacts of climate change, such as sea-level rise and extreme weather events.
Avinash Persaud, from the Inter-American Development Bank, emphasized the significance of the agreement’s focus on financing in light of escalating climate impacts. However, concerns were raised that the agreement fell short in providing rapid-response grants to developing countries for loss and damage mitigation.
The summit also faced objections regarding the measurement criteria for climate impacts, particularly in areas like food security. Sierra Leone’s delegate criticized the agreed-upon indicators as inadequate, urging for more precise and actionable metrics to aid vulnerable nations effectively.
The European Union and the Arab group clashed over the inclusion of fossil fuels in the agreement, leading to extended negotiations beyond the deadline. The COP30 president issued a separate text on fossil fuels and forest protection due to the lack of consensus, encouraging continued dialogue on these critical issues.
Additionally, the agreement initiates a review process to align international trade practices with climate action, addressing concerns that trade barriers hinder the adoption of clean technologies and sustainable practices.
