The Era of Eloquent Addresses and Noble Intentions is Over: Brazil's UN Climate Conference Focuses On Action
Today, within Brazil's Amazon region, the Belém conference commences prior to the 30th United Nations climate change conference (Conference of the Parties 30). I have convened global heads of state in the days leading up to the conference so that we can all commit to taking swift measures with the necessary speed that the environmental emergency requires.
Should we not progress past speeches into real action, public trust will diminish – not just in climate conferences, but in multilateralism along with global diplomacy in general. This is the reason for convening leaders to the Amazon: to establish this as the "truthful Cop", the occasion where we prove our collective dedication's gravity toward Earth.
Humanity has shown its ability to conquer major obstacles when it acts together and is guided by science. The ozone layer was safeguarded by us. The global response to the Covid-19 pandemic showed that decisive global action is possible with bravery and governmental determination.
Brazil hosted the Earth Summit in 1992. We approved the conventions on climate, biodiversity and desertification, and principles were embraced that established a new paradigm for preserving our planet and our humanity. During the last three decades, these meetings have yielded key accords and goals for cutting emissions – including halting deforestation by 2030 to tripling renewable energy capacity.
After over thirty years, global attention returns to Brazil to confront climate change. There's a reason why Cop30 is being held deep within the Amazon jungle. This is an opportunity for politicians, diplomats, scientists, activists and journalists to witness the reality of the Amazon. We want the world to see the true state of the forests, Earth's biggest river system, and the numerous inhabitants of the area. Climate conferences must not just display concepts or annual gatherings for negotiators. They should serve as encounters with actuality and of effective action to tackle climate change.
To jointly address this emergency, financial support is essential. It's crucial to acknowledge 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 justice. Wealthy nations have gained the most from the carbon-based economy. They should now fulfill their obligations, not only by making commitments but by repaying what they owe.
Brazil is fulfilling its role. In only two years, we have already halved deforestation in the Amazon, showing that concrete climate action is possible.
At Belém, we are introducing a novel program for forest conservation: 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 those who invest in the fund. A true mutually beneficial strategy to tackling climate change. 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 being the second nation to submit a fresh NDC. Brazil has committed to reducing its emissions from 59% to 67%, including all emission types and every economic area. In this spirit, we call on all countries to present equally ambitious NDCs and to execute them thoroughly.
Shifting energy sources is crucial for achieving Brazil's climate goals. Our energy matrix is among the cleanest in the world, with 88% of our electricity coming from renewable sources. We excel in biofuel production and are advancing in wind, solar and green hydrogen energy.
Channeling oil earnings to finance a just, orderly and equitable energy transition is vital. In the long run, global petroleum firms, such as Brazil's Petrobras, will transform into energy companies, because a growth model based on fossil fuels cannot last.
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 are the most affected by the impacts of climate change, which is why just transition and adaptation plans must aim to combat inequality.
We cannot forget that two billion individuals have no access to clean cooking methods and fuels, and 673 million people still live with hunger. To address this, we are introducing in Belém a statement on hunger, poverty, and climate. Our commitment to fight global warming should be closely tied to the fight against hunger.
It is also fundamental that we advance the reform of global governance. Today, international cooperation is hindered by the stagnation within the UN Security Council. Established to maintain peace, it has not stopped conflicts. It is our duty, therefore to advocate for reforming this body. During Cop30, we will push for establishing a UN climate council connected to the General Assembly. This would form a fresh governance framework with the power and credibility to ensure that countries deliver on their promises, and a practical move towards overcoming the present deadlock of the multilateral system.
At every climate conference, 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. That is why today we begin the “Cop of truth”.