An Age of Fine Speeches and Noble Intentions is Over: The UN Climate Conference Focuses On Concrete Steps

Today, within Brazil's Amazon region, the Belém summit opens ahead of 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 so that we can all commit to taking swift measures with the necessary speed the climate crisis demands.

If we fail to move beyond 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 officials to the rainforest: to establish this as the "truthful Cop", the moment we demonstrate our collective dedication's gravity toward Earth.

People have demonstrated their capacity to overcome great challenges through united efforts and is guided by science. We protected the ozone layer. Worldwide actions during the Covid-19 crisis showed that decisive global action is possible with bravery and governmental determination.

The Earth Summit was held in Brazil back in 1992. Agreements on climate, biodiversity, and desertification were endorsed, and adopted principles that defined 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 tripling renewable energy capacity.

After over thirty years, global attention returns to Brazil to address the climate issue. 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. Our aim is for global observation of the forests' real status, the planet’s largest river basin, and the millions of people who live in the region. Climate conferences must not just display concepts or yearly meetings for delegates. 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 remains the non-negotiable foundation for all climate agreements. This is why developing nations call for increased resource availability – not as aid, but as fairness. Rich countries have benefited the most from fossil fuel economies. They should now fulfill their obligations, not only by making commitments but by honouring their debts.

Brazil is doing its part. Within just two years, Amazon deforestation has been cut by half by us, demonstrating that real environmental measures can work.

At Belém, we are introducing a novel program for forest conservation: the TFFF fund. Its novelty lies in functioning as a financial investment tool, not a donation mechanism. The TFFF will reward those who keep their forests standing and those who invest in the fund. A genuine win-win approach for addressing environmental issues. Leading by example, Brazil has announced an investment of $1bn in the TFFF, and we expect equally ambitious announcements from other nations.

We also demonstrated leadership through being the second nation to submit a fresh NDC. Brazil has committed to reducing its emissions by 59% to 67%, including all emission types and all sectors of the economy. In this spirit, we call on all countries to present equally ambitious NDCs and to implement them effectively.

Shifting energy sources is crucial 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 advancing in wind, solar and green hydrogen energy.

Channeling oil earnings to fund a fair, structured energy shift will be essential. 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.

People must be at the centre in climate policy choices and the shift to clean energy. 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 should target reducing disparities.

We cannot forget that 2 billion people lack access to clean technologies and fuels for cooking, and over 673 million face hunger. To address this, we will launch 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 push for changes in international governance. Today, international cooperation is hindered by the stagnation 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. This would form a fresh governance framework with the power and credibility to guarantee nations fulfill their pledges, and a practical move towards overcoming the present deadlock of the multilateral system.

During each environmental summit, numerous commitments are made yet few concrete actions follow. The time for intention statements is over: the moment for implementation plans is here. That is why today we begin the “Cop of truth”.

Mary Mccarty
Mary Mccarty

Tech enthusiast and writer with a passion for emerging technologies and their impact on society.