The Age of Eloquent Addresses and Good Aims is Over: The UN Climate Conference Will Be About Concrete Steps

Today, within Brazil's Amazon region, the Belém summit opens ahead of the 30th United Nations climate change conference (Conference of the Parties 30). I have convened world leaders in the days leading up to the conference so that we can all commit to taking swift measures with the necessary speed the climate crisis demands.

If we fail to move beyond rhetoric to tangible steps, 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 leaders to the Amazon: to establish this as the "truthful Cop", the occasion where we prove 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. The ozone layer was safeguarded by us. The global response to the Covid-19 pandemic showed that decisive global action is possible 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 new paradigm for preserving our planet and our humanity. Over the past 33 years, these meetings have yielded key accords and targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions – from ending deforestation by 2030 to increasing renewable energy threefold.

After over thirty years, 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 annual gatherings for negotiators. They must be moments of contact with reality and opportunities for real steps against environmental shifts.

To confront this crisis together, 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. That is why the global south demands 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. In only two years, we have already halved deforestation in the Amazon, showing that concrete climate action is possible.

In Belém, we will launch a novel program for forest conservation: the TFFF fund. Its novelty lies in functioning as an investment fund, rather than a charity system. The fund will compensate forest preservers and contributors to the fund. A true mutually beneficial strategy to tackling climate change. Setting an example, Brazil has announced an investment of $1bn in the TFFF, and we anticipate similarly bold pledges from other countries.

We also demonstrated leadership through being the second nation to present a new nationally determined contribution (NDC). Brazil has vowed to cut its emissions from 59% to 67%, including all emission types and all sectors of the economy. With this mindset, we call on all countries to present equally ambitious NDCs and to implement them effectively.

The energy transition is fundamental for achieving Brazil's climate goals. Our energy mix is one of the globe's greenest, as 88% of our power is renewable. We excel in biofuel production and are progressing in wind, solar, and green hydrogen.

Channeling oil earnings to fund a fair, structured energy shift will be essential. Over time, oil companies worldwide, such as Brazil's Petrobras, will transform into energy companies, because a growth model based on fossil fuels is unsustainable.

People must be at the centre in climate policy choices and the energy transition. We must recognise that society's most at-risk groups 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 2 billion people lack access to clean cooking methods and fuels, and over 673 million face hunger. To address this, we will launch in Belém a statement on hunger, poverty, and climate. Our pledge to combat climate change must be directly linked to the effort to end hunger.

It is also fundamental 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. Hence, it is our responsibility to advocate for reforming this body. At Cop30, we will advocate for establishing a UN climate council linked to the general assembly. It would be a new governance structure with the force and legitimacy to guarantee nations fulfill their pledges, and an effective step toward overcoming the present deadlock of the multilateral system.

During each environmental summit, numerous commitments are made but see too few real commitments. The time for intention statements is over: the moment for implementation plans is here. This is why we commence today the "truthful Cop".