🔗 Share this article

Today, within Brazil's Amazon region, the Belém summit opens ahead of the 30th United Nations climate change conference (Conference of the Parties 30). I have convened world leaders in the days leading up to the conference to ensure collective dedication to acting with the urgency that the environmental emergency requires.

If we fail to move beyond speeches into real action, public trust will diminish – not just in climate conferences, and in international cooperation and international politics more broadly. 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 to the planet.

Humanity has shown its ability to conquer major obstacles through united efforts and scientific guidance. The ozone layer was safeguarded by us. The global response to the Covid-19 pandemic proved that the world can act decisively when there is courage and political will.

The Earth Summit was held in Brazil back in 1992. We approved the conventions on climate, biodiversity and desertification, and principles were embraced that established a fresh model for protecting our planet and our humanity. Over the past 33 years, these meetings have yielded key accords and targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions – including halting deforestation by 2030 to tripling renewable energy capacity.

More than three decades later, global attention returns to Brazil to confront climate change. It is no coincidence that Cop30 takes place in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. 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 numerous inhabitants of the area. Cops cannot be mere showcases of good ideas or yearly meetings for delegates. They should serve as encounters with actuality and opportunities for real steps against environmental shifts.

To confront this crisis together, financial support is essential. It's crucial to acknowledge that the concept of shared yet varied duties remains the non-negotiable foundation for all climate agreements. This is why developing nations call for increased resource availability – not out of charity, but as fairness. Rich countries have benefited the most from the carbon-based economy. They should now fulfill their obligations, not only by making commitments but by honouring their debts.

Brazil is doing its part. In only two years, we have already halved deforestation in the Amazon, demonstrating that real environmental measures can work.

At Belém, we are introducing an innovative initiative to preserve forests: the Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF). Its novelty lies in functioning as an investment fund, rather than a charity system. The TFFF will reward those who keep their forests standing and contributors to the fund. A true mutually beneficial strategy for addressing environmental issues. Leading by example, Brazil has pledged $1 billion to the TFFF, and we anticipate similarly bold pledges from other nations.

We also set an example by becoming the second country to submit a fresh NDC. Brazil has vowed to cut its emissions from 59% to 67%, covering all greenhouse gases and all sectors of the economy. With this mindset, we call on all countries to propose similarly bold NDCs and to execute them thoroughly.

The energy transition is fundamental to meeting Brazil’s NDC. Our energy mix is one of the globe's greenest, as 88% of our power is renewable. We are a leader in biofuels and are progressing in wind, solar, and green hydrogen.

Channeling oil earnings to fund a fair, structured energy shift is vital. Over time, oil companies worldwide, including Brazil’s Petrobras, will evolve into energy providers, because a growth model based on fossil fuels cannot last.

People must be at the centre of political decisions about climate and the shift to clean energy. We must recognise that society's most at-risk groups 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 2 billion people lack access to clean cooking methods and fuels, and over 673 million face hunger. To address this, we will launch in Belém a statement on hunger, poverty, and climate. Our pledge to combat climate change should be closely tied to the effort to end hunger.

It is also fundamental that we push for changes in international governance. Currently, multilateralism suffers from the paralysis of the UN security council. Established to maintain peace, it has not stopped conflicts. Hence, it is our responsibility to fight for the reform of this institution. At Cop30, we will advocate for the creation of a UN climate change council connected to the General Assembly. It would be a new governance structure with the power and credibility to guarantee nations fulfill their pledges, and an effective step toward reversing the current paralysis of the multilateral system.

During each environmental summit, we hear many promises but see too few real commitments. The time for intention statements is over: the time for action plans has arrived. That is why today we begin the “Cop of truth”.