COP30 president says countries cannot be divided on Paris Agreement

As COP30 continues in Brazil, the President of the summit, Andre Correa do Lago, made a powerful call for unity, urging countries to stay committed to the Paris Agreement despite challenges.

His remarks came after the United States, the world’s largest economy, withdrew from the accord earlier this year for the second time.

In a plenary session, Correa do Lago emphasized that while the U.S. exit was a setback, the remaining parties must stand firm. “And at the same time that we had to face the fact that the largest economy in the world had left the Paris Accord, we have to remember that we all stayed in because we all believe in it,” he said. “We cannot be divided inside the Paris Accord.”

His statement underscores the pressure the global community faces as the future of the Paris Agreement comes into sharper focus. With fossil fuel use and its environmental impact at the forefront of negotiations, the president urged delegates not to let internal divisions derail the global climate agenda.

Strengthening the Paris Agreement

Addressing the plenary session, Correa do Lago also stressed the importance of strengthening the climate regime in place under the Paris Agreement. “This regime has to be strengthened. This regime has to continue. And this regime has already achieved much more than all those who criticize it and try to convince the world,” he said, calling for renewed commitment from all nations involved.

The COP30 President’s words reflect the ongoing struggle for consensus as the summit nears its conclusion. The negotiations have focused heavily on whether the agreement should chart a clearer course away from fossil fuels, a subject that has become a flashpoint in the talks. Correa do Lago reiterated that the global community must listen to science and remain determined in its pursuit of a sustainable future.

The Amazon’s Role in COP30

Correa do Lago also highlighted the significance of hosting COP30 in Brazil's Amazon region. He noted that by choosing the Amazon as the backdrop for the summit, President Lula aimed to spotlight not only the strength and beauty of the rainforest but also the urgent challenges it faces in development.

“For that, we have the policy cycle of the Paris Agreement fully in motion,” said Correa do Lago. “And we have the determination and urgency because we listen to science.” The President’s words serve as a reminder of the critical importance of protecting the Amazon, a vital ecosystem that plays a key role in the global climate system.

A Divided Draft and the Battle Over Fossil Fuels

As COP30 draws to a close, tensions have risen over the future role of fossil fuels in the global economy. A draft text released by the Brazilian hosts in the early hours of the summit's final day notably excluded any reference to fossil fuels. This marked a significant change from an earlier draft, which had included a variety of options on the subject.

The absence of fossil fuel references has intensified the rift between nations that advocate for a swift transition to renewable energy and those, particularly oil and gas-producing nations, that argue for a more gradual shift. This divide has become a critical issue as the summit approaches its final stages, with a showdown looming over whether the Paris Accord should set clearer paths for reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

The Need for Global Cooperation

Despite the challenges, Correa do Lago’s message was one of hope and determination. With the Amazon as a backdrop, the world’s attention is firmly on Brazil, where COP30 is being held. The discussions in Rio de Janeiro have reinforced the importance of cooperation and collective action. As the world faces unprecedented climate challenges, the need for unity has never been more critical.

“We cannot afford to be divided,” Correa do Lago said, as the summit pushes forward with the aim of reaching a historic agreement. The coming hours will determine whether the delegates at COP30 can overcome their differences and reaffirm their commitment to the Paris Agreement—an accord that remains essential to the global fight against climate change.

Clapping Marks the End of the Session

As the plenary session concluded, applause echoed through the room, a symbol of both the challenges and the resolve that define COP30. The session may have ended, but the road ahead is still uncertain as world leaders face the pressing need to solidify their commitments to a greener, more sustainable future.

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