The Era of Fine Speeches and Good Intentions is Over: The UN Climate Conference Focuses On Concrete Steps

Today, within Brazil's Amazon region, the Belém conference commences prior to the 30th United Nations climate change conference (Conference of the Parties 30). I have convened global heads of state during the period before the conference to ensure collective dedication 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 and international politics more broadly. That is why I have summoned leaders to the Amazon: to establish this as the "truthful Cop", the moment we demonstrate our collective dedication's gravity toward Earth.

Humanity has shown its ability to conquer major obstacles when it acts together and is guided by science. We protected the ozone layer. Worldwide actions during the Covid-19 crisis proved that the world can act decisively when there is courage and political will.

Brazil hosted the Earth Summit in 1992. Agreements on climate, biodiversity, and desertification were endorsed, and adopted principles that defined a new paradigm for preserving our planet and our humanity. Over the past 33 years, these meetings have yielded key accords and goals for cutting emissions – including halting deforestation by 2030 to tripling renewable energy capacity.

More than three decades later, the world returns to Brazil to confront climate change. There's a reason why Cop30 is being held in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. This is an opportunity for politicians, diplomats, scientists, activists and journalists to witness the reality of the Amazon. Our aim is for global observation of the forests' real status, the planet’s largest river basin, and the millions of people who live in the region. Cops cannot be mere showcases of good ideas or yearly meetings for delegates. They must be moments of contact with reality and opportunities for real steps against environmental shifts.

To jointly address this emergency, 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. This is why developing nations call for greater access to resources – not out of charity, but justice. Rich countries have benefited the most from fossil fuel economies. They should now fulfill their obligations, not only by making commitments but by repaying what they owe.

Brazil is doing its part. Within just two years, Amazon deforestation has been cut by half by us, demonstrating that real environmental measures can work.

In Belém, we will launch an innovative initiative to preserve forests: the Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF). It is innovative because it operates as a financial investment tool, not a donation mechanism. The fund will compensate forest preservers and those who invest in the fund. A genuine win-win approach for addressing environmental issues. Setting an example, Brazil has pledged $1 billion to the TFFF, and we anticipate similarly bold pledges from other nations.

We also set an example by being the second nation to present a new nationally determined contribution (NDC). Brazil has vowed to cut its emissions from 59% to 67%, covering all greenhouse gases and all sectors of the economy. With this mindset, we urge all nations to propose similarly bold NDCs and to execute them thoroughly.

The energy transition is fundamental 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.

Channeling oil earnings to finance a just, orderly and equitable energy transition is vital. Over time, global petroleum firms, such as Brazil's Petrobras, will evolve into energy providers, since an economic model reliant on fossil fuels cannot last.

Individuals should be the focus of political decisions about climate and the energy transition. It's important to acknowledge that the most vulnerable sectors of our society are the most affected by the impacts of climate change, 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 statement on hunger, poverty, and climate. Our pledge to combat climate change should be closely tied to the effort to end hunger.

It is also fundamental that we advance the reform of global governance. Today, multilateralism suffers from the paralysis within the UN Security Council. Created to preserve peace, it has failed to prevent wars. It is our duty, therefore to fight for the reform of this institution. At Cop30, we will advocate for the creation of a UN climate change council connected to the General Assembly. It would be a new governance structure with the power and credibility to ensure that countries deliver on their promises, and an effective step toward overcoming the present deadlock of the multilateral system.

At every climate conference, we hear many promises but see too few real commitments. The time for intention statements is over: the time for action plans has arrived. This is why we commence today the “Cop of truth”.

John Santana
John Santana

A tech enthusiast and digital strategist with over a decade of experience in helping businesses adapt to technological changes.