An Era of Eloquent Speeches and Good Aims is Finished: Brazil's UN Climate Conference Focuses On Concrete Steps

Today, within Brazil's Amazon region, the Belém conference commences prior to the 30th United Nations climate change conference (Cop30). Leaders have been gathered by me world leaders during the period before the conference to ensure collective dedication to acting with the urgency that the environmental emergency requires.

If we fail to move beyond rhetoric to tangible steps, public trust will diminish – not only in the Cops, but in multilateralism along with global diplomacy in general. This is the reason for convening officials to the rainforest: to make this the “Cop of truth”, the occasion where we prove our collective dedication's gravity toward Earth.

Humanity has shown its ability to overcome great challenges through united efforts and scientific guidance. We protected the ozone layer. 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 adopted principles that defined a new paradigm for preserving 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 increasing renewable energy threefold.

After over thirty years, global attention returns to Brazil to confront climate change. It is no coincidence that Cop30 takes place deep within the Amazon jungle. 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 forests' real status, Earth's biggest river system, and the millions of people who live in the region. Cops cannot be mere showcases of good ideas or yearly meetings for delegates. They should serve as encounters with actuality and of effective action to tackle climate change.

To confront this crisis together, 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 increased resource availability – not as aid, but as fairness. Wealthy nations have gained the most from fossil fuel economies. They must now rise to their responsibilities, not only by making commitments but by repaying what they owe.

Brazil is doing its part. Within just two years, we have already halved deforestation in the Amazon, showing that concrete climate action is possible.

In Belém, we will launch 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 fund will compensate forest preservers and those who invest in the fund. A true mutually beneficial strategy for addressing environmental issues. Leading by example, Brazil has pledged $1 billion to the TFFF, and we expect equally ambitious announcements from other nations.

We also set an example by becoming the second country to present a new nationally determined contribution (NDC). Brazil has vowed to cut its emissions by 59% to 67%, covering all greenhouse gases and all sectors of the economy. With this mindset, we call on all countries to present equally ambitious NDCs and to execute them thoroughly.

Shifting energy sources is crucial for achieving Brazil's climate goals. 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 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, global petroleum firms, such as Brazil's Petrobras, will transform into energy companies, because a growth model based on fossil fuels cannot last.

Individuals should be the focus in climate policy choices 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, which is why just transition and adaptation plans must aim to combat inequality.

We cannot forget that two billion individuals have no access to clean technologies and fuels for cooking, and 673 million people still live with hunger. To address this, we are introducing 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 within the UN Security Council. Established to maintain 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. It would be a new governance structure with the force and legitimacy to ensure that countries deliver on their promises, and a practical move towards reversing the current paralysis in global cooperation.

During each environmental summit, we hear many promises yet few concrete actions follow. The era of declarations of good intentions has ended: the moment for implementation plans is here. This is why we commence today the "truthful Cop".

Timothy Garcia
Timothy Garcia

Sofia is a passionate gaming journalist with over a decade of experience covering esports and digital entertainment trends.