Challenges over climate justice, reparation funds, and global responsibility have been evident since the opening day of the COP30 summit in Belém, Brazil. Differences between developed countries and climate-vulnerable small island and least-developed states have already become visible.
The historic ruling by the International Court of Justice—calling for a legally binding 1.5°C target, a ban on fossil fuel lobbyists, and greater transparency—has further intensified the debate. Nearly 250 million people have been displaced in the past decade due to climate disasters, compounded by conflict and poverty, deepening the humanitarian crisis.
The UNHCR has called for rapid and equitable climate financing to address these challenges. Meanwhile, the absence of the US Trump administration from international climate diplomacy, China’s strategic activism, India’s hardline position, and internal pressures within the European Union have added complexity to the COP30 negotiations. Small island states and least-developed countries have demanded a fossil fuel phase-out, stronger NDCs, debt-free climate finance, and implementation of the “Baku-to-Belém Roadmap.”
The climate finance roadmap dominated discussions on the second day. Delegates highlighted the failure to meet the previous $100 billion commitment, the need for a new long-term financing target beyond 2025, and calls for grant-based support rather than loans. Questions regarding the governance of the Loss and Damage Fund—management, country contributions, and beneficiary criteria—were raised repeatedly.
Small island states urged immediate approval of emergency support as rising sea levels, cyclones, and coastal erosion push their livelihoods to the brink. Discussions on the Global Stocktake implementation plan focused on transparency, NDC updates, and reducing emissions at scientifically recommended rates to keep the 1.5°C goal achievable. The European Union reiterated plans to phase out coal-fired power by 2030, but affected groups deemed this insufficient, noting unclear commitments to reduce gas and oil use. India and Saudi Arabia objected to including the term “fossil fuel phase-out” in the text, adding new complications. Vulnerable countries, including Bangladesh, pressed for dedicated funding for coastal adaptation, forecasting systems, agricultural resilience, and disaster management.
On the third day, COP30 discussions centered on implementation-oriented measures, assessing progress on the Global Stocktake, and outlining pathways to transition away from fossil fuels and toward renewables. The Chinese delegation delivered a positive message, citing rapid growth in renewable energy and a commitment to stabilize carbon emissions while prioritizing low-carbon energy systems.
However, China has not yet met its 2020–2025 target for reducing carbon intensity per GDP, making its 2030 pledges more challenging. Johan Rockström of the Potsdam Institute emphasized the need to remove 10 billion tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere annually to limit global warming to 1.7°C. Later in the day, indigenous and environmental activists broke through the security cordon, chanting “Our forests are not for sale” and “Decisions cannot be made without us.”
Kayapo chief Raoni urged greater empowerment of indigenous communities to protect the Amazon. Small island states reaffirmed the 1.5°C threshold as a matter of survival. Discussions on forest conservation, biodiversity, carbon markets, and Article 6 implementation gained further prominence. The Bangladesh pavilion highlighted national climate risks, government plans, and the country’s demands on the global stage.
Implementation, data integrity, and international cooperation dominated the fourth day of the Amazon Conference. Twelve countries signed a declaration against climate data distortion, committing governments, businesses, and academics to disseminate accurate information and defend environmental science and journalism. However, following a formal review of the Stocktake process, the declaration was issued and concluded within three minutes, with delegates stating that further amendments were required and postponing discussions until Saturday.
While the IEA and other analysts have welcomed the rapid expansion of renewable energy, emissions from coal, oil, and gas continue to rise, putting the world on track for a 2.6°C increase. A special session hosted by the Bangladesh pavilion—“Article 6 of the Paris Agreement: Pathways to Emission Reductions”—focused on international cooperation, transparent carbon markets, and realistic emission-reduction strategies. Meanwhile, 5,000 indigenous activists, forest defenders, and civil society representatives in Brazil staged a flotilla of more than 100 boats demanding climate justice.
The fifth day in Belém was marked by tensions over the European Union’s position and climate ambition. While EU negotiators urged the world to take bold action, the European Parliament approved proposals to ease greenhouse-gas reduction targets and weaken forest-conservation measures.
On the same day, international organizations voiced strong support for a global agreement to phase out fossil fuels and for the Fossil Fuel Treaty. Key leaders expressed concern over the United States’ absence from efforts to meet Paris Agreement goals and over the Trump administration’s opposition to climate policies. The debate on climate and gender was also heated, with disagreements over the definition of “gender.”
Belém also saw the launch of the “Health Action Plan,” a climate-adaptation framework focused on risk monitoring, capacity building, and digital health technology. A side event at the Bangladesh pavilion underscored the importance of locally led, nature-based solutions—highlighting the Sundarbans and Hakaluki Haor—to ensure equitable, long-term resilience and biodiversity protection.
On the sixth day, climate finance, indigenous rights, and civil society engagement took center stage. Wealthy countries again failed to deliver the promised $100 billion climate fund for 2020. The actual disbursed amount remains far lower, with most funds flowing to rich and middle-income countries, while the poorest and most vulnerable receive few grants. The Munduruku people in Brazil blocked the main entrance for several hours, demanding direct dialogue with President Lula and the COP President—reflecting rising civil society and indigenous engagement.
For the first time, COP30 discussed a global framework for fossil fuel reduction and a transition to renewable energy. Civil society groups simultaneously pressed for Amazon forest protection, advancement of the Belém Action Mechanism (BAM), and a just transition. Severe yellow fever and dengue outbreaks in South America—driven by climate change—highlighted escalating global health risks. A COIAB survey reported that drought and wildfires in the Amazon reached extreme levels between 2023 and 2025, posing grave threats to indigenous lives and security.
The seventh day focused on climate action, methane reduction, and loss-and-damage financing. The United Nations warned of approaching tipping points for the Amazon rainforest and the Greenland ice sheet as global temperatures breach the 1.5°C threshold. Scientists stressed the urgency of curbing methane emissions. On Saturday, thousands—including indigenous people, youth, and environmental activists—marched through Belém demanding a fossil fuel phase-out, an end to Amazon mining, and recognition of indigenous land rights. A high-level discussion on loss and damage, led by Bangladeshi youth, called for easier access to funds, transparency, and permanent youth representation. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s oil-dependent economy and high emissions hindered international climate efforts.
The first week of COP30 revealed declining interest and momentum among wealthy nations. The United States suspended a major shipping deal, while the European Union weakened its 2040 climate targets—raising doubts about the viability of multilateralism. EMDCs require $2.3–2.5 trillion annually for adaptation and mitigation, rising to $3.2 trillion by 2035, yet only mobilized $196 billion in 2023. The need for stronger political will, multilateral reform, and accessible financing mechanisms was evident throughout the conference. A credible financing roadmap is now essential amid growing uncertainty.
Brazil’s “Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF)” drew criticism for its ambitious $125 billion proposal to fund forest protection and reward local communities. Asked whether COP30 could deliver a fossil fuel transition roadmap, organizers said no, citing insufficient time for negotiations on such a complex document. A roadmap would require a timeline, clear steps, and agreed milestones. Supporters hope COP30 will at least initiate a process to be developed over the next two or three COP presidencies, providing a platform for open, non-binding discussions between fossil-fuel-producing and consuming countries.
