Global leaders gather at COP 30 for climate progress
- Aaron Cha
- Dec 18
- 2 min read
In Belém, Brazil, UNFCCC holds its 30th session or conference, also known as COP 30. From the 10th to the 21st of November 2025, this summit is being billed as one of the most consequential because the climate crisis has been a significant issue over recent years.
The convention's three primary aims consist of 1) reducing greenhouse gas emissions, 2) adaptation to climate change, and 3) climate finance for developing countries. The United Nations Environment Programme has already indicated that “current commitments still leave the world on a pathway of 2.3–2.5 °C of warming, significantly above the 1.5 °C target of the Paris Agreement,” which means that COP30 needs to lead to real action rather than empty promises. (UNEP - UN Environment Programme)
The European Union arrives at the conference with a single goal—representation of its commitment to increase its own greenhouse gas reductions and to support relative climate opportunities for developing countries. It brings with it a nationally determined contribution (NDC) of around 66–72% emission reductions from 1990 levels by 2035 and advocates for just transitions from fossil fuels to green growth. (European Commission)
However, Brazil, the host country, is in a "puzzle": while it is positioning itself as a champion of 'the Amazon' and protector of the tropical forest by promising new financing for forest conservation, on the other hand, Brazil has received “push back” from the new oil and gas developments in the Amazon, and is, thus, raising doubts about Brazil as a 'climate leader.'
The attention to sustainable biofuels and the social aspect of the energy transition is a less familiar, but important theme this year. For example, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) expects COP30 to be an opportunity for commitments to quadruple biofuel production by 2035. (Reuters)
In this light, the world is fixed on a conference in Belém not only for promises but for proof of real progress. The summit’s ultimate success will depend on whether the leaders would be able to turn decades of promises into real collaboration.
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