🔗 Share this article

Today, in the Brazilian Amazon, the Belém summit opens ahead of the 30th United Nations climate change conference (Cop30). I have convened global heads of state in the days leading up to the conference to ensure collective dedication 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 only in the Cops, but in multilateralism along with global diplomacy in general. This is the reason for convening leaders to the Amazon: to make this the “Cop of truth”, the moment we demonstrate the seriousness of our shared commitment toward Earth.

Humanity has shown its ability to conquer major obstacles when it acts together 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 with bravery and governmental determination.

Brazil hosted the Earth Summit 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 gatherings have produced important agreements and goals for cutting emissions – from ending deforestation by 2030 to tripling renewable energy capacity.

After over thirty years, global attention returns to Brazil to confront climate change. There's a reason why Cop30 is being held deep within the Amazon jungle. 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 yearly meetings for delegates. They must be moments of contact with reality and opportunities for real steps against environmental shifts.

To confront this crisis together, we need resources. And we must recognise that the concept of shared yet varied duties remains the non-negotiable foundation for all climate agreements. That is why the global south demands increased resource availability – not as aid, but as fairness. Rich countries have benefited the most from fossil fuel economies. They must now rise to their responsibilities, not just through pledges but by honouring their debts.

Brazil is fulfilling its role. 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). 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 contributors to the fund. A genuine win-win approach to tackling climate change. Leading by example, Brazil has pledged $1 billion to the TFFF, and we expect equally ambitious announcements from other nations.

We also demonstrated leadership through becoming the second country to present a new nationally determined contribution (NDC). Brazil has vowed to cut its emissions from 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 for achieving Brazil's climate goals. Our energy mix is one of the globe's greenest, with 88% of our electricity coming from renewable sources. We excel in biofuel production and are progressing in wind, solar, and green hydrogen.

Redirecting revenues from oil production to finance a just, orderly and equitable energy transition is vital. Over time, global petroleum firms, such as 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. It's important to acknowledge that society's most at-risk groups suffer the most from environmental effects, this is why equitable transition and adjustment strategies should target reducing disparities.

We cannot forget that 2 billion people lack access to clean technologies and fuels for cooking, 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 fight against hunger.

It is also fundamental that we advance the reform of global governance. Today, multilateralism suffers from the paralysis 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. During Cop30, we will push for establishing a UN climate council linked to the general assembly. This would form a fresh governance framework with the power and credibility to ensure that countries deliver on their promises, and a practical move towards overcoming the present deadlock 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. This is why we commence today the “Cop of truth”.