An Age of Fine Speeches and Good Aims is Finished: The UN Climate Conference Focuses On Concrete Steps
Today, within Brazil's Amazon region, the Belém conference commences prior to the UN's 30th climate summit (Conference of the Parties 30). Leaders have been gathered by me world leaders in the days leading up to the conference to ensure collective dedication to acting with the urgency the climate crisis demands.
If we fail to move beyond rhetoric to tangible steps, public trust will diminish – not just in climate conferences, but in multilateralism and international politics more broadly. That is why I have summoned officials to the rainforest: to establish this as the "truthful Cop", the occasion where we prove the seriousness of our shared commitment toward Earth.
Humanity has shown its ability to conquer major obstacles through united efforts and is guided by science. We protected the ozone layer. 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 Earth and humankind. Over the past 33 years, these meetings have yielded key accords and goals for cutting emissions – from ending deforestation by 2030 to increasing renewable energy threefold.
After over thirty years, the world returns to Brazil to address the climate issue. There's a reason why Cop30 is being held deep within the Amazon jungle. It offers a chance for leaders, envoys, researchers, campaigners, and reporters to witness the reality of the Amazon. 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 annual gatherings for negotiators. They must be moments of contact with reality and opportunities for real steps against environmental shifts.
To confront this crisis together, we need resources. It's crucial to acknowledge that the concept of shared yet varied duties remains the non-negotiable foundation of any climate pact. That is why the global south demands greater access to resources – 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 repaying what they owe.
Brazil is doing its part. In only two years, Amazon deforestation has been cut by half by us, 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, rather than a charity system. The TFFF will reward those who keep their forests standing and those who invest in the fund. A genuine win-win approach to tackling climate change. Setting an example, Brazil has pledged $1 billion to the TFFF, and we expect equally ambitious announcements from other countries.
We also demonstrated leadership through being the second nation to submit a fresh NDC. Brazil has committed to reducing its emissions from 59% to 67%, including all emission types and every economic area. With this mindset, we call on all countries to propose similarly bold NDCs and to execute them thoroughly.
Shifting energy sources is crucial for achieving Brazil's climate goals. 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 shift to clean energy. We must recognise 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.
It's crucial to remember that 2 billion people lack access to clean cooking methods and fuels, 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 must be directly linked to the fight against 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. Established to maintain peace, it has failed to prevent wars. It is our duty, therefore to fight for the reform of this institution. During Cop30, we will push for establishing a UN climate council connected 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 an effective step toward reversing the current paralysis in global cooperation.
At every climate conference, numerous commitments are made 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".