This article is adapted from AQ’s special report on COP30
In November, the world’s eyes will turn—momentarily, at least—to Brazil as global leaders gather in the Amazonian city of Belém for the COP30 UN climate summit.
The window for delegates and the host government of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to grab attention will be small. Previous COP summits have so far failed to convert years of climate promises into actionable policies. The international community is not on track to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. And the climate movement itself seems to be struggling at a time when Donald Trump is in the White House and so many countries have other priorities.
In our cover story, Beto Veríssimo and Juliano Assunção present a straightforward proposal that has Lula’s support: restoring tropical forests, such as the Amazon, either by planting trees or allowing natural regeneration. If restored, tropical forests can absorb vast quantities of carbon, and climate policies can help direct funding and resources to protect and sustainably manage these forests.
Brazil and the Amazon serve as a cautionary tale. Last year’s drought, which affected almost 60% of Brazil’s territory and was considered one of the worst in decades, led to higher energy prices and hurt the country’s agricultural production. In the Amazon region, rivers such as the Rio Negro dried up, forcing communities to rely on water trucks for access to drinking water. Wildfires spread throughout the country, cloaking major cities in smoke.
As both a climate leader and a major oil producer, Brazil will face pressure to lead this forum credibly. Nations remain divided on the $300 billion annual commitment that rich countries pledged at COP29 in Baku to combat climate change. And there is still skepticism about the agreement reached in Dubai at COP28, which for the first time called on the world to transition away from fossil fuels.
All eyes will be on Belém to see if COP30 can deliver on one of the most urgent issues facing humanity: global climate action.
A (Realistic) Path to Success at COP30
As the world prepares for the UN climate summit in Belém, Brazil, one proposal stands out.
Belém and Its Challenges Await COP30
As the UN climate summit nears, the host city of Belém struggles with the daily realities of the Amazon.
The U.S. Can’t Afford to Sit Out Brazil’s Climate Summit
The global gathering presents the White House with an opportunity to enhance its leadership in the Western Hemisphere, writes AS/COA's CEO.
