The Age of Fine Speeches and Noble Aims is Over: The UN Climate Conference Focuses On Concrete Steps

Today, within Brazil's Amazon region, the Belém summit opens ahead of the 30th United Nations climate change conference (Cop30). I have convened world leaders in the days leading up to the conference so that we can all commit 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, and in international cooperation and international politics more broadly. That is why I have summoned leaders to the Amazon: to make this the “Cop of truth”, the moment we demonstrate our collective dedication's gravity to the planet.

People have demonstrated their capacity to conquer major obstacles through united efforts and is guided by science. We protected the ozone layer. The global response to the Covid-19 pandemic showed that decisive global action is possible with bravery and governmental determination.

The Earth Summit was held in Brazil back in 1992. Agreements on climate, biodiversity, and desertification were endorsed, 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.

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. 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, Earth's biggest river system, 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 of effective action to tackle climate change.

To jointly address this emergency, financial support is essential. And we must recognise that the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities remains the non-negotiable foundation of any climate pact. This is why developing nations call for increased resource availability – not out of charity, but as fairness. Wealthy nations have gained the most from fossil fuel economies. They should now fulfill their obligations, not just through pledges but by honouring their debts.

Brazil is doing its part. In only two years, Amazon deforestation has been cut by half by us, showing that concrete climate action is possible.

At Belém, we are introducing an innovative initiative to preserve forests: the Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF). It is innovative because it operates as an investment fund, not a donation mechanism. The fund will compensate forest preservers and contributors to the fund. A true mutually beneficial strategy for addressing environmental issues. Leading by example, Brazil has pledged $1 billion to the TFFF, and we expect equally ambitious announcements from other nations.

We also demonstrated leadership through becoming the second country to submit a fresh NDC. Brazil has vowed to cut its emissions by 59% to 67%, covering all greenhouse gases and every economic area. With this mindset, we call on all countries to present equally ambitious NDCs and to implement them effectively.

The energy transition is fundamental to meeting Brazil’s NDC. 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 finance a just, orderly and equitable energy transition is vital. Over time, oil companies worldwide, such as Brazil's Petrobras, will evolve into energy providers, since an economic model reliant on fossil fuels is unsustainable.

People must be at the centre in climate policy choices and the energy transition. It's important to acknowledge that society's most at-risk groups suffer the most from environmental effects, which is why just transition and adaptation plans must aim to combat inequality.

We cannot forget 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 also fundamental that we advance the reform of global governance. Currently, international cooperation is hindered by the stagnation within the UN Security Council. Created to preserve peace, it has not stopped conflicts. Hence, it is our responsibility to fight for the reform of this institution. During Cop30, we will push for establishing a UN climate council connected 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 in global cooperation.

During each environmental summit, numerous commitments are made but see too few real commitments. The era of declarations of good intentions has ended: the time for action plans has arrived. This is why we commence today the "truthful Cop".

Russell Robertson
Russell Robertson

A passionate writer and community builder with expertise in interpersonal dynamics and digital engagement strategies.