Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has delivered a powerful address at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), calling for world leaders to commit to substantial emissions reduction pathways and climate justice.
Urgent Call for Climate Action
Speaking yesterday in Belém, located in the heart of the Amazon, President Lula emphasized the critical nature of the climate summit occurring at a time when global climate governance remains fragmented. The world continues to struggle with meeting the objectives set out in the Paris Agreement.
Joined by COP30 President André Corrêa do Lago, Lula warned that geopolitical hesitations must not obstruct the urgent actions required to protect our planet. He stressed that every nation must embrace ambitious targets to reduce warming gases.
The Brazilian Roadmap and National Sovereignty
The President highlighted the significance of the Brazilian-led Roadmap, which aims to drive concrete global action to decrease fossil fuel usage during this pivotal moment in emissions planning. He clarified that the approach respects national sovereignty.
"Everyone must understand their responsibility," Lula stated. "That is why we introduced the roadmap. We must show society that we are serious without imposing anything on anyone, without setting deadlines. Each country has the sovereignty to determine what it can do within its timeframe and capacities."
He strongly emphasized the non-negotiable need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, framing climate protection as both a scientific necessity and a geopolitical responsibility.
Progress and Inclusivity at the Summit
André Corrêa do Lago provided his own assessment of the negotiations, reporting steady advancement on some of the most challenging agenda items. He noted that participants are directly confronting interconnected issues of adaptation, climate finance, and the evolving Roadmap.
A defining characteristic of this summit, according to Corrêa do Lago, is the unprecedented level of public participation. He specifically addressed the importance of gender equality and respect for women's full involvement in the process.
"Women must be addressed as a gender issue and must be treated with respect in their full participation, because women are not second-class citizens," he asserted. "It is essential that we, as leaders, learn this."
Climate Justice and Financial Responsibility
President Lula directly linked climate preservation with economic justice and global security. He insisted that wealthier nations have an obligation to support developing countries and accelerate financial flows to forest-rich regions that play a crucial role in environmental stewardship.
"Caring for the climate requires recognising that wealthy countries need to support poorer countries," Lula declared. "Financial resources must be provided so that those who maintain standing forests can keep them standing, and so people can understand that preserving the forest yields greater benefit than cutting it down."
The COP30 conference continues in Belém as world leaders work toward consensus on these critical climate issues that will shape our planet's future.
