🔗 Share this article

Today, in the Brazilian Amazon, the Belém conference commences prior to the 30th United Nations climate change conference (Cop30). I have convened global heads of state during the period before the conference so that we can all commit to acting with the urgency that the environmental emergency requires.

Should we not progress past speeches into real action, our societies will lose faith – not just in climate conferences, 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 to the planet.

People have demonstrated their capacity to conquer major obstacles when it acts together 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 adopted principles that defined a new paradigm for preserving our planet and our humanity. During the last three decades, 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. 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 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 jointly address this emergency, we need resources. And we must recognise that the concept of shared yet varied duties remains the non-negotiable foundation of any climate pact. This is why developing nations call for greater access to resources – not out of charity, but justice. Rich countries have benefited the most from the carbon-based economy. They should now fulfill their obligations, 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, 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 a financial investment tool, not a donation mechanism. The TFFF will reward those who keep their forests standing and contributors to the fund. A true mutually beneficial strategy for addressing environmental issues. Setting an example, Brazil has announced an investment of $1bn in the TFFF, and we anticipate similarly bold pledges from other nations.

We also set an example by becoming the second country to present a new nationally determined contribution (NDC). Brazil has committed to reducing its emissions from 59% to 67%, including all emission types and all sectors of the economy. In this spirit, we urge all nations to present equally ambitious NDCs and to implement them effectively.

Shifting energy sources is crucial to meeting Brazil’s NDC. Our energy mix is one of the globe's greenest, with 88% of our electricity coming from renewable sources. 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. In the long run, 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 of political decisions about climate and the shift to clean energy. It's important to acknowledge 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.

It's crucial to remember that two billion individuals have no access to clean technologies and fuels for cooking, and over 673 million face hunger. To address this, 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 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 not stopped conflicts. It is our duty, therefore to advocate for reforming this body. During Cop30, we will push for the creation of a UN climate change council connected to the General Assembly. This would form a fresh governance framework with the force and legitimacy to guarantee nations fulfill their pledges, 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”.