At COP30 in Brazil, leaders from climate‑vulnerable countries urged immediate, concrete action and fair financing from wealthier emitters. President Lula called for a clear roadmap to end deforestation and phase out fossil fuels, while delegates debated a global carbon market. Developing nations say the $300bn pledge remains undelivered and insufficient, seeking about $1.3tn; the loss‑and‑damage fund still holds under $800m. UNEP warns the world will likely exceed 1.5°C within a decade, and the UN stresses halving emissions by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2050.
COP30: Vulnerable Nations Demand Urgent Climate Justice and Concrete Action
At COP30 in Brazil, leaders from climate‑vulnerable countries urged immediate, concrete action and fair financing from wealthier emitters. President Lula called for a clear roadmap to end deforestation and phase out fossil fuels, while delegates debated a global carbon market. Developing nations say the $300bn pledge remains undelivered and insufficient, seeking about $1.3tn; the loss‑and‑damage fund still holds under $800m. UNEP warns the world will likely exceed 1.5°C within a decade, and the UN stresses halving emissions by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2050.
16:06, 08.11.2025Environment
COP30: Leaders from climate‑hit countries call for finance, justice and a clear roadmap
Leaders from nations already battered by hurricanes, floods and prolonged droughts pressed the United Nations climate conference in Brazil, COP30, to move from rhetoric to rapid, tangible action. Delegations gathered on the shrinking edge of the Amazon ahead of the summit’s formal opening, urging wealthier emitters to close the gap in responsibility and support.
Roadmap and market proposals. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva pushed for a concrete plan to "undo deforestation, overcome fossil fuels and mobilise the resources needed." Delegates also debated a proposal for a shared global carbon market, which would allow countries that emit less than their targets to earn credits they can sell to higher emitters.
Money promised, not delivered. Richer nations pledged $300 billion last year to help poorer states adapt to and cope with climate impacts, but that money has not yet been distributed. Developing countries and advocacy groups say $300 billion is far short of needs and are calling for roughly $1.3 trillion in combined public and private support. The loss-and-damage fund established at COP27 still holds under $800 million, prompting demands for urgent capitalization.
Voices from the front lines. Haiti’s diplomat Smith Augustin described how Hurricane Melissa devastated his country and reminded delegates that small island states bear little responsibility for the crisis yet suffer greatly. Kenya’s vice-president Kithure Kindiki warned of a devastating cycle of extreme droughts followed by catastrophic floods, noting a deadly landslide last week. Barbados prime minister Mia Mottley urged leaders to "hold our heads down in shame" over slow progress on loss-and-damage finance, citing Jamaica’s estimated losses of more than $7 billion alongside severe impacts across Cuba, Haiti and the Bahamas.
“We are not asking for charity — we are demanding climate justice,” said Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, chairman of the African Union Commission.
Several speakers criticised the United States, accusing the Trump-era administration of dismissing climate science, declining to send an envoy to the talks and expanding fossil fuel activity. Delegates warned that political obstruction and corporate lobbying remain major obstacles to progress.
Scientific warning and global targets. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) said in a report this week that it is "very likely" the world will exceed the 1.5°C warming threshold within the next decade. UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned officials that they face a choice to lead or be led to ruin, accusing many corporations of profiting from climate devastation while obstructing action.
“Overshooting 1.5°C may be unavoidable in the short term, but what matters is how high and for how long,” Guterres said.
The UN says global emissions must be nearly halved by 2030, reach net zero by 2050, and move into net‑negative territory thereafter to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.