🔗 Share this article

Today, in the Brazilian Amazon, the Belém summit opens ahead of the UN's 30th climate summit (Conference of the Parties 30). I have convened global heads of state in the days leading up to the conference to ensure collective dedication to taking swift measures with the necessary speed the climate crisis demands.

If we fail to move beyond speeches into real action, our societies will lose faith – not just in climate conferences, and in international cooperation along with global diplomacy in general. That is why I have summoned officials to the rainforest: to make this the “Cop of truth”, the moment we demonstrate our collective dedication's gravity toward Earth.

People have demonstrated their capacity to conquer major obstacles through united efforts and is guided by science. The ozone layer was safeguarded by us. Worldwide actions during the Covid-19 crisis proved that the world can act decisively with bravery and governmental determination.

The Earth Summit was held in Brazil back in 1992. We approved the conventions on climate, biodiversity and desertification, and adopted principles that defined 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 – including halting deforestation by 2030 to tripling renewable energy capacity.

More than three decades later, the world returns to Brazil to confront climate change. It is no coincidence that Cop30 takes place 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. We want the world to see 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 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, we need resources. It's crucial to acknowledge that the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities remains the non-negotiable foundation of any climate pact. This is why developing nations call for greater access to resources – not out of charity, but as fairness. Wealthy nations have gained the most from fossil fuel economies. They must now rise to their responsibilities, not only by making commitments but by repaying what they owe.

Brazil is fulfilling its role. 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 TFFF fund. Its novelty lies in functioning as a financial investment tool, 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 for addressing environmental issues. Setting an example, Brazil has announced an investment of $1bn in the TFFF, and we anticipate similarly bold pledges from other countries.

We also set an example by becoming the second country to submit a fresh NDC. Brazil has committed to reducing its emissions by 59% to 67%, including all emission types and every economic area. 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 advancing in wind, solar and green hydrogen energy.

Redirecting revenues from oil production to finance a just, orderly and equitable energy transition will be essential. In the long run, global petroleum firms, including Brazil’s Petrobras, will evolve into energy providers, because a growth model based on fossil fuels cannot last.

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, this is why equitable transition and adjustment strategies must aim to combat inequality.

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. To address this, we will launch in Belém a declaration on hunger, poverty and climate. Our commitment to fight global warming should be closely tied to the effort to end 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 failed to prevent wars. It is our duty, therefore to advocate for reforming this body. During Cop30, we will push for establishing a UN climate council linked to the general assembly. It would be a new governance structure with the force and legitimacy to ensure that countries deliver on their promises, and a practical move towards reversing the current paralysis of the multilateral system.

During each environmental summit, we hear many promises 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”.