🔗 Share this article

Today, in the Brazilian Amazon, the Belém conference commences prior to the UN's 30th climate summit (Conference of the Parties 30). Leaders have been gathered by me world leaders in the days leading up to the conference to ensure collective dedication to acting with the urgency that the environmental emergency requires.

If we fail to move beyond speeches into real action, public trust will diminish – not only in the Cops, but in multilateralism and international politics more broadly. That is why I have summoned leaders to the Amazon: to make this the “Cop of truth”, the moment we demonstrate our collective dedication's gravity toward Earth.

Humanity has shown its ability to conquer major obstacles through united efforts and scientific guidance. We protected the ozone layer. The global response to the Covid-19 pandemic showed that decisive global action is possible when there is courage and political will.

Brazil hosted the Earth Summit in 1992. We approved the conventions on climate, biodiversity and desertification, and adopted principles that defined a fresh model for protecting Earth and humankind. Over the past 33 years, these gatherings have produced important agreements and targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions – including halting deforestation by 2030 to increasing renewable energy threefold.

More than three decades later, global attention returns to Brazil to address the climate issue. It is no coincidence that Cop30 takes place deep within the Amazon jungle. It offers a chance for leaders, envoys, researchers, campaigners, and reporters to observe the Amazon's actual conditions. Our aim is for global observation of the forests' real status, 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 must be moments of contact with reality and of effective action to tackle climate change.

To confront this crisis together, we need resources. It's crucial to acknowledge that the concept of shared yet varied duties remains the non-negotiable foundation of any climate pact. This is why developing nations call for increased resource availability – not as aid, but as fairness. Rich countries have benefited the most from the carbon-based economy. They must now rise to their responsibilities, not only by making commitments but by honouring their debts.

Brazil is fulfilling its role. In only two years, Amazon deforestation has been cut by half by us, 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 an investment fund, rather than a charity system. The TFFF will reward those who keep their forests standing and contributors to the fund. A true mutually beneficial strategy to tackling climate change. Setting an example, Brazil has pledged $1 billion to the TFFF, and we expect equally ambitious announcements from other countries.

We also demonstrated leadership through becoming the second country to submit a fresh NDC. Brazil has vowed to cut its emissions from 59% to 67%, covering all greenhouse gases and all sectors of the economy. In this spirit, we urge all nations to propose similarly bold NDCs and to implement them effectively.

Shifting energy sources is crucial for achieving Brazil's climate goals. Our energy mix is one of the globe's greenest, as 88% of our power is renewable. 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, oil companies worldwide, including Brazil’s Petrobras, will evolve into energy providers, since an economic model reliant on fossil fuels is unsustainable.

People must be at the centre in climate policy choices and the shift to clean energy. We must recognise 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 cooking methods and fuels, and 673 million people still live with hunger. In response, 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. Today, 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. At Cop30, we will advocate for establishing a UN climate council connected to the General Assembly. This would form a fresh governance framework with the power and credibility to guarantee nations fulfill their pledges, and a practical move towards reversing the current paralysis in global cooperation.

At every climate conference, numerous commitments are made but see too few real commitments. The era of declarations of good intentions has ended: the time for action plans has arrived. That is why today we begin the “Cop of truth”.