Tens of thousands marched in Belém for the "Great People's March", the first large-scale protest at a UN climate summit since Glasgow, with Indigenous leaders and activists calling for stronger climate action, reparations and more Indigenous representation. Demonstrators staged a mock funeral for fossil fuels and highlighted Amazon destruction, while some earlier actions briefly disrupted the COP30 compound. Inside the talks, negotiators grappled with weak national targets and contentious finance issues as ministers prepare to seek agreement by 21 November.
Tens of Thousands Join the 'Great People's March' in Belém — First Major UN Climate Protest Since Glasgow
Tens of thousands marched in Belém for the "Great People's March", the first large-scale protest at a UN climate summit since Glasgow, with Indigenous leaders and activists calling for stronger climate action, reparations and more Indigenous representation. Demonstrators staged a mock funeral for fossil fuels and highlighted Amazon destruction, while some earlier actions briefly disrupted the COP30 compound. Inside the talks, negotiators grappled with weak national targets and contentious finance issues as ministers prepare to seek agreement by 21 November.
06:32 AM, 11/16/2025Environment
Tens of thousands of people filled the streets of Belém, the Amazonian city hosting COP30, on Saturday in the most visible protest at a UN climate summit since Glasgow in 2021. Under a blazing sun, Indigenous leaders, environmental activists and allied groups danced to loud music, pushed an oversized inflatable Earth and carried a Brazilian flag reading "Protected Amazon."
Some protesters staged a theatrical mock funeral for fossil fuels, dressed in black and carrying three coffins labeled "coal," "oil" and "gas." Organizers called the event the "Great People's March,"
Voices from the march
"We are here to try to apply pressure so that countries fulfill their promises and we don't accept a regression," said Txai Surui, a 28-year-old Indigenous leader. Protesters demanded reparations for harm caused by corporations and governments, stronger climate action, and greater Indigenous representation at the talks.
A 50-year-old member of the Huni Kuin people, Benedito Huni Kuin, described what he called a "massacre" of the forest and urged more Indigenous voices in negotiations. Protesters also spotlighted broader political grievances: a giant Palestinian flag and "Free Palestine" banners were visible among the crowd, while street artists lampooned imperialism and targeted political figures critical of climate science and policy.
Disruptions earlier in the week
The march followed two Indigenous-led actions earlier in the week that briefly disrupted summit proceedings: demonstrators forced their way into Parque da Cidade, the COP30 compound built on a former airport, clashing with security personnel and causing minor injuries; and on Friday dozens blocked the venue entrance for roughly two hours to draw attention to Amazon-related grievances. Authorities deployed soldiers to guard the COP compound as the march stopped a few blocks from the site; the demonstration dispersed peacefully by evening.
Inside the negotiations
Inside the COP30 venue, talks remained tense. As the first week of negotiations closed, the Brazilian presidency prepared to set out a plan to reconcile competing demands. Central issues include strengthening weak national climate targets and increasing finance from wealthy to poorer countries to fund adaptation, resilience and low-emission transitions.
Many delegations were holding firm on positions while awaiting the arrival of government ministers next week, who are expected to negotiate toward a final agreement by the conference deadline of 21 November. A Western diplomat said the Brazilian hosts encouraged delegations to treat consultations like "therapy sessions" — confidential spaces to air concerns — and to send private submissions the presidency called "love letters."
The march marked a significant public showing of climate activism at COP30, underscoring how Indigenous rights, demands for reparations and calls for stronger climate finance remain central fault lines in international climate diplomacy.