Climate Talks Begin in the Heart of the Amazon
Climate negotiations are set to kick off on Monday at a meeting located on the edge of the Brazilian Amazon. This event, known as COP30, brings together global leaders who are urging for urgency, cooperation, and accelerated action after over three decades of efforts to mitigate global warming by significantly reducing carbon pollution.
André Corrêa do Lago, the president of this year’s conference, highlighted the importance of “mutirão,” a term rooted in an Indigenous word that signifies a collective effort to accomplish a shared goal. In his letter to negotiators, do Lago emphasized the necessity of unity, stating, “Either we decide to change by choice, together, or we will be imposed change by tragedy. We can change. But we must do it together.”
Despite these calls for unity, the United States presents a significant challenge. The Trump administration has not sent high-level negotiators to the talks and is withdrawing from the Paris Agreement for the second time. This 10-year-old agreement is seen as a partial success in Belem, where the conference is taking place.
The U.S. has historically been the largest emitter of carbon dioxide due to the burning of fossil fuels. While China now holds the top spot, the long-lasting nature of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere means that the U.S. has contributed more over time.
Palau Ambassador Ilana Seid, who chairs the Alliance of Small Island States, described the current geopolitical landscape as particularly challenging. Small island nations are among the most affected by climate change, as rising seas threaten their land. She noted that the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement has shifted the balance of the negotiation process.
Former U.S. Special Envoy for Climate Todd Stern criticized President Donald Trump’s actions, stating they have harmed the fight against climate change. He added, “It’s a good thing that they are not sending anyone. It wasn’t going to be constructive if they did.”
Katharine Hayhoe, chief scientist at The Nature Conservancy, likened the negotiations to a potluck dinner. “Everybody brings the contributions that they are making,” she said, referring to new and strengthened plans to cut carbon emissions. “And it’s obvious who took the time to bake the fresh pie with fruit that they picked and who fished out that year old chicken frozen chicken nuggets from the back of their freezer.”
Hayhoe noted that the U.S. as a country will not be presenting a dish at this potluck. However, she and others, including former lead American negotiators, are pointing to U.S. cities, states, and businesses that are expected to take up the slack.
In a letter released late Sunday, Simon Stiell, the U.N. climate chief, acknowledged that the Paris Agreement is functioning to some extent but stressed the need for acceleration in the Amazon. He highlighted the devastating impacts of climate change, such as Hurricane Melissa hitting the Caribbean, Super Typhoons affecting Vietnam and the Philippines, and a tornado striking Southern Brazil.
Stiell emphasized that nations must not only act faster but also connect climate action to people’s real lives.