The Era of Eloquent Addresses and Noble Intentions is Over: Brazil's UN Climate Conference Will Be About Action
Today, in the Brazilian Amazon, the Belém conference commences prior to the 30th United Nations climate change conference (Conference of the Parties 30). Leaders have been gathered by me world leaders in the days leading up to the conference so that we can all commit to taking swift measures with the necessary speed the climate crisis demands.
Should we not progress past speeches into real action, public trust will diminish – not just in climate conferences, but in multilateralism along with global diplomacy in general. That is why I have summoned officials to the rainforest: to establish this as the "truthful Cop", the moment we demonstrate the seriousness of our shared commitment toward Earth.
Humanity has shown its ability to overcome great challenges 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 when there is courage and political will.
Brazil hosted the Earth Summit in 1992. Agreements on climate, biodiversity, and desertification were endorsed, and principles were embraced that established a new paradigm for preserving 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.
More than three decades later, the world returns to Brazil to confront climate change. There's a reason why Cop30 is being held 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 numerous inhabitants of the area. Climate conferences must not just display concepts or annual gatherings for negotiators. They should serve as encounters with actuality and opportunities for real steps against environmental shifts.
To jointly address this emergency, we need resources. It's crucial to acknowledge that the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities stays as the fixed basis of any climate pact. This is why developing nations call for greater access to resources – not as aid, but as fairness. Wealthy nations have gained the most from the carbon-based economy. They must now rise to their responsibilities, not just through pledges 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 an investment fund, rather than a charity system. The fund will compensate forest preservers and contributors to the fund. A true mutually beneficial strategy to tackling climate change. Setting an example, Brazil has announced an investment of $1bn in the TFFF, and we expect equally ambitious announcements from other countries.
We also set an example by 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 every economic area. With this mindset, 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 excel in biofuel production and are advancing in wind, solar and green hydrogen energy.
Redirecting revenues from oil production to finance a just, orderly and equitable energy transition is vital. Over time, oil companies worldwide, such as Brazil's Petrobras, will evolve into energy providers, because a growth model based on fossil fuels cannot last.
Individuals should be the focus 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, this is why equitable transition and adjustment strategies must aim to combat inequality.
We cannot forget 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 equally essential that we advance the reform of global governance. Currently, international cooperation is hindered by the stagnation within the UN Security Council. Created to preserve peace, it has failed to prevent wars. Hence, it is our responsibility to advocate for reforming this body. At Cop30, we will advocate for establishing a UN climate council linked to the general assembly. This would form a fresh governance framework with the power and credibility to guarantee nations fulfill their pledges, and a practical move towards reversing the current paralysis of the multilateral system.
During each environmental summit, numerous commitments are made but see too few real commitments. The era of declarations of good intentions has ended: the moment for implementation plans is here. That is why today we begin the “Cop of truth”.