Brazil’s COP30 head, Andre Correa do Lago, stresses the need for tangible results from UN climate negotiations, pushing for reforms to enhance implementation. He acknowledges the challenges posed by current geopolitical shifts and calls for collective action across all sectors to tackle climate change effectively. The upcoming conference in Belem, Brazil will evaluate national climate pledges amid these complexities.
Andre Correa do Lago, the Brazilian head of the forthcoming UN climate conference (COP30), emphasized the importance of delivering on previous commitments made during climate summits. Recognizing the skepticism surrounding the effectiveness of the Conference of the Parties (COP), he advocates for a more self-critical approach to negotiations, urging that extensive discussions must transition into meaningful actions.
Correa do Lago highlighted the need for reform within the UN climate process, referring to years of calls for change from past COP leaders and global figures. In a letter to national leaders before the November conference in Brazil, he stated, “we need a new era beyond negotiating talks: we must help put into practice what we have agreed.”
During a press briefing, he addressed the common perception that annual negotiations—uniting negotiators from nearly 200 nations—yield insufficient results. He also pointed out the limitations of the UN climate process and the Paris Agreement in effectively implementing decisions, encouraging a holistic approach towards combating climate change.
At COP30, to take place in Belem, Brazil, countries will be evaluated based on their individual climate commitments and their plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, geopolitical challenges hinder the prospect of new substantial commitments, particularly as Europe diverts funds to defense and the US withdraws from the Paris Agreement.
Correa do Lago remarked on the difficult international climate for negotiations, stating, “Let’s see how we can accelerate what we have already decided.” Decision-making at COP summits relies on consensus, complicating the agreement process. He invoked the Indigenous concept of “mutirao,” calling for collective action against climate challenges from not only governments but also private sectors, civil society, and academia.
The COP30 presidency aims to convene past presidencies and Indigenous leaders to unite on solutions to pressing climate issues, highlighting the urgency for cooperation.
As humanity faces worsening climate impacts, Correa do Lago stressed collective effort, urging, “Humanity needs you.”
COP30 will focus on advancing climate action based on previously made commitments, as emphasized by Andre Correa do Lago. Calls for a more effective UN climate process are echoed by various leaders, addressing the urgent need for practical implementation of agreements. The conference will assess national climate strategies while confronting geopolitical challenges that could limit new commitments. Correa do Lago’s vision stresses the importance of collaborative efforts across sectors to combat climate change meaningfully.
Original Source: www.fox28spokane.com
