Brazil to host UN climate summit with limited leaders in attendance
The conference, marking the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement, will take place for the first time in the Amazon Basin
BELEM, Brazil (MNTV) – Brazil will host the UN COP30 climate change summit from November 10 to 21 in the Amazon city of Belem, focusing on turning promises made in previous summits into concrete measures and boosting financial support for vulnerable nations.
The conference, marking the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement, will take place for the first time in the Amazon Basin and is expected to draw around 50,000 participants.
However, logistical constraints have prompted Brazil to move the leaders’ segment—known as the Belem Climate Summit—to Thursday and Friday, several days before official COP negotiations begin.
Despite its significance, fewer than 60 world leaders have confirmed attendance, down from 80 at COP29 in Azerbaijan and 165 at the 2023 Dubai summit. Analysts warn that the reduced turnout could weaken global momentum as emissions rise and major economies prioritize energy security over climate goals.
The United States is not expected to send a senior delegation, reflecting President Donald Trump’s continued rejection of climate science and his withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. Observers say this opens the door for China and other emerging economies to assert greater leadership in renewable energy and low-carbon transitions.
COP30 will serve as a key checkpoint for limiting global warming to 1.5°C (2.7°F). The World Meteorological Organization reports that the past decade has been the hottest on record, and current pledges fall short of keeping the 1.5°C target within reach. Countries are due to update their emissions targets for 2035 this year.
Climate finance will be a central issue. Developing countries, responsible for a small fraction of historical emissions but bearing the brunt of climate impacts, are demanding fair and predictable funding. At COP29, developed nations pledged $300 billion annually by 2035—far below what experts deem necessary. COP30 will revisit how to share the financing burden and strengthen funds for loss and damage.
Deforestation and biodiversity loss, particularly in the Amazon, will also dominate discussions. Although nations pledged at COP26 to end deforestation by 2030, progress has been slow. Brazil hopes to make COP30 the “implementation COP,” shifting focus from commitments to tangible, large-scale actions to safeguard the planet’s most critical ecosystems.
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