An Era of Fine Addresses and Good Aims is Over: Brazil's Cop30 Will Be About Action

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 rhetoric to tangible steps, public trust will diminish – not just in climate conferences, but in multilateralism along with global diplomacy in general. That is why I have summoned officials to the rainforest: to make this the “Cop of truth”, the occasion where we prove the seriousness of our shared commitment to the planet.

Humanity has shown its ability to overcome great challenges 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 when there is courage and political will.

The Earth Summit was held in Brazil back in 1992. We approved the conventions on climate, biodiversity and desertification, and principles were embraced that established a fresh model for protecting Earth and humankind. During the last three decades, these meetings have yielded key accords and targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions – from ending deforestation by 2030 to tripling renewable energy capacity.

More than three decades later, global attention returns to Brazil to address the climate issue. It is no coincidence that Cop30 takes place in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. It offers a chance for leaders, envoys, researchers, campaigners, and reporters to witness the reality of the Amazon. Our aim is for global observation of the forests' real status, Earth's biggest river system, and the numerous inhabitants of the area. Climate conferences must not just display concepts or yearly meetings for delegates. They must be moments of contact with reality and of effective action to tackle climate change.

To confront this crisis together, we need resources. And we must recognise that the concept of shared yet varied duties stays as the fixed basis of any climate pact. This is why developing nations call for increased resource availability – not out of charity, but justice. Wealthy nations have gained the most from the carbon-based economy. They must now rise to their responsibilities, not just through pledges but by honouring their debts.

Brazil is fulfilling its role. Within just two years, we have already halved deforestation in the Amazon, showing that concrete climate action is possible.

At Belém, we are introducing a novel program for forest conservation: 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 genuine win-win approach for addressing environmental issues. Setting an example, Brazil has pledged $1 billion to the TFFF, and we expect equally ambitious announcements from other countries.

We also set an example by being the second nation to submit a fresh NDC. Brazil has committed to reducing its emissions from 59% to 67%, covering all greenhouse gases 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 mix is one of the globe's greenest, with 88% of our electricity coming from renewable sources. We excel in biofuel production and are progressing in wind, solar, and green hydrogen.

Channeling oil earnings to finance a just, orderly and equitable energy transition will be essential. Over time, 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 in climate policy choices and the energy transition. It's important to acknowledge that society's most at-risk groups are the most affected by the impacts of climate change, this is why equitable transition and adjustment strategies should target reducing disparities.

It's crucial to remember that 2 billion people lack access to clean technologies and fuels for cooking, and 673 million people still live with hunger. In response, we will launch in Belém a statement on hunger, poverty, and climate. Our pledge to combat climate change must be directly linked 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 of the UN security council. Created to preserve peace, it has failed to prevent wars. Hence, it is our responsibility to advocate for reforming this body. During Cop30, we will push 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 overcoming the present deadlock of the multilateral system.

At every climate conference, we hear many promises but see too few real commitments. The era of declarations of good intentions has ended: the moment for implementation plans is here. That is why today we begin the “Cop of truth”.