In November 2025, the UN climate conference in Belém, Brazil, will focus on pressing issues such as limiting global temperature rise, protecting nature, financing climate initiatives, establishing legal obligations, and combating plastic pollution. These efforts aim to foster significant advancements in global climate action ahead of the conference.
In November 2025, Belém, Brazil, will host a crucial UN climate conference, spotlighting global efforts against climate change. It will address several key climate challenges, including plastic pollution and transitioning toward a more sustainable economy. Expectations are high for significant developments leading up to this event.
1. Aiming for 1.5°C: The mantra “Keep 1.5 alive” emphasizes the goal to limit global temperature increases to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Scientific consensus suggests that failure to achieve this could lead to dire consequences, especially for vulnerable nations. At COP30 (scheduled for November 10-21, 2025), nations are anticipated to present enhanced commitments for greenhouse gas reductions, acknowledging previous pledges’ inadequacy.
2. Nature Conservation’s Importance: Conducting COP30 in the Amazon holds symbolic significance, invoking previous environmental initiatives. The Amazon rainforest acts as a major carbon sink; thus, its protection is critical for climate mitigation. However, this ecosystem faces threats from illegal logging. The UN plans to advance biodiversity talks in 2024 to bolster protection strategies.
3. Climate Finance Dynamics: Climate financing remains a contentious topic. Developing nations argue for increased funding from wealthier countries to support their transition to clean energy, while developed countries assert that fast-growing economies must contribute as well. Despite an agreement at COP29 in Baku to increase climate assistance to $300 billion by 2035, this falls short of the estimated $1.3 trillion needed by developing countries.
4. Legal Framework Developments: In December, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) began examining legal obligations of states regarding climate change. An advisory from this court, requested by Vanuatu, could shape future international climate regulations, despite being non-binding. This is seen as a pivotal step in clarifying nations’ legal responsibilities.
5. Addressing Plastic Pollution: Recent negotiations in Busan, South Korea, focused on global plastic pollution, aiming to develop a legally binding framework. Progress was marked during the November 2024 meetings, with discussions on production control, sustainable use, and financing. Member States are urged to collaborate for a comprehensive agreement that addresses the entire lifecycle of plastics.
The upcoming COP30 conference in 2025, set to take place in Belém, Brazil, is positioned as a pivotal moment for climate action. Key issues will include climate commitment enhancements, nature protection, financing disparities, legal responsibilities of states, and addressing plastic pollution. Progress in these areas could significantly influence global climate policies moving forward.
Original Source: news.un.org
