COP30 president urges shift from talks to action on climate commitments

The United Nations climate summit model is showing its limits, despite decades of negotiations, said COP30 President Andre Correa do Lago, calling for a new era focused on action rather than prolonged talks.

In a letter released Monday, Correa do Lago acknowledged that while the Paris Agreement is working, progress remains slow. He urged climate negotiators to be self-critical and recognize public frustration over "three decades of talks with meagre results."

At a press conference, he noted that the UN climate framework has no authority to enforce its recommendations, limiting its effectiveness. Instead, Brazil will push for climate action through platforms like the G20 and IMF meetings, as well as amplifying the voices of civil society and Indigenous communities.

Correa do Lago announced two international meetings with world leaders ahead of COP30 in November, aiming to accelerate pledges to cut emissions. So far, only 13 countries have submitted their updated commitments, despite a February deadline.

Global setbacks, including Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and Europe’s shifting focus to defense spending amid the war in Ukraine, have further slowed progress, he said.

Brazil hopes to refocus global attention on climate action as it prepares to host COP30 in Belem.

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