COP30 convenes delegates from over 190 countries, including 57 heads of state, scientists, activists, and civil society leaders. The summit’s central goal is to accelerate progress toward limiting global warming to 1.5°C, a threshold scientists warn must not be crossed to avoid catastrophic climate impacts. Countries are expected to present updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), outlining their plans to reduce emissions and transition to clean energy.
A major theme of COP30 is accountability. Previous summits have seen ambitious pledges, but implementation has lagged. Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has emphasized the need for collective action, invoking Indigenous principles of mutirão—shared responsibility—to guide negotiations. The summit also highlights climate finance, with developing nations demanding that wealthier countries fulfill their commitments to fund adaptation and mitigation efforts.
Despite the high stakes, COP30 faces challenges. Key leaders from the United States, India, and Russia are absent, raising concerns about the summit’s ability to deliver binding outcomes. Nonetheless, the presence of strong subnational delegations and grassroots movements offers hope that momentum can be sustained.
COP30 is not just another climate conference—it is a test of global resolve. As the world stands at a crossroads, the decisions made in Belém will shape the future of our planet for generations to come.