🔗 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 the climate crisis demands.

Should we not progress past rhetoric to tangible steps, public trust will diminish – not just in climate conferences, and in international cooperation along with global diplomacy in general. 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.

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. During the last three decades, these gatherings have produced important agreements and targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions – including halting deforestation by 2030 to tripling renewable energy capacity.

After over thirty years, the world returns to Brazil to address the climate issue. It is no coincidence that Cop30 takes place deep within the Amazon jungle. This is an opportunity for politicians, diplomats, scientists, activists and journalists to witness the reality of the Amazon. We want the world to see the true state of the forests, the planet’s largest river basin, and the numerous inhabitants of the area. Climate conferences must not just display concepts or annual gatherings for negotiators. They should serve as encounters with actuality and opportunities for real steps against environmental shifts.

To confront this crisis together, financial support is essential. It's crucial to acknowledge that the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities remains the non-negotiable foundation for all climate agreements. That is why the global south demands increased resource availability – not as aid, 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, we have already halved deforestation in the Amazon, demonstrating that real environmental measures can work.

At Belém, we are introducing an innovative initiative to preserve forests: the TFFF fund. It is innovative because it operates as an investment fund, not a donation mechanism. The fund will compensate forest preservers and contributors to 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 countries.

We also demonstrated leadership through being the second nation 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 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 progressing in wind, solar, and green hydrogen.

Redirecting revenues from oil production to finance a just, orderly and equitable energy transition is vital. In the long run, 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 the most vulnerable sectors of our society suffer the most from environmental effects, this is why equitable transition and adjustment strategies 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 pledge to combat climate change should be closely tied to the fight against hunger.

It is also fundamental that we advance the reform of global governance. Currently, international cooperation is hindered by the stagnation within the UN Security Council. Created to preserve peace, it has not stopped conflicts. Hence, it is our responsibility to advocate for reforming this body. During Cop30, we will push for the creation of a UN climate change council linked to the general assembly. This would form a fresh governance framework with the force and legitimacy to ensure that countries deliver on their promises, and a practical move towards reversing the current paralysis of the multilateral system.

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. That is why today we begin the "truthful Cop".