Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva opened the COP30 climate summit in Belém, urging decisive climate action while the United States remains absent, underscoring rising global emissions and the urgent need for new commitments.
Lula Frames Summit as a Truth Conference
In his opening speech, President Lula warned that climate change is no longer a future threat but a present tragedy, calling COP30 “a conference of truth.” He emphasized the perils of misinformation, the targeting of scientific institutions, and the need for transparent, evidence‑based dialogue.
United States Skips the Table
Despite formally retracting from the Paris Agreement earlier this year, the United States sent no delegation to COP30, mirroring Donald Trump’s earlier withdrawal. While some states and companies, such as California Governor Gavin Newsom, signaled support for green technologies, Washington has yet to re‑engage.
Global Emissions at Record Levels
COP30 highlighted that greenhouse‑gas emissions and global temperatures remain at historic highs. Even as the Paris Agreement set a 1.5 °C target, current trajectories suggest overshoot within the next decade, with rising coal, oil, and gas use forecasted until mid‑century.
Summit’s Mission: Strengthen the Paris Agreement
President Lula reiterated that the Paris Agreement outlines broad goals but leaves detailed implementation to subsequent negotiations, such as those in Katowice and Glasgow. He urged participants to finalize national plans and establish a new UN Climate Council to guide a just transition away from fossil fuels.
China Nears Emission Peak, Global Outlook
China’s CO₂ emissions have plateaued for 18 months, a rise attributed to sharp increases in renewable energy. Analysts note that the country may soon reach its emission peak, but global demand for fossil fuels is expected to climb through 2035 unless significant policy shifts occur.