This week, the world’s attention turned to the Amazon. The city of Belém, in Pará, is hosting the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), one of the most important environmental events on the planet. This event marks a historic moment for Brazil, especially for the Amazon region, which is gaining global prominence in discussions about climate and the future of the planet. The event began on November 10th and will continue until the 21st of this month.
COP30 puts Belém in the global spotlight
As the host city for COP30, Belém has become the epicenter of the most relevant environmental discussions of our time. The city, already known for its rich biodiversity and culture, is representing Brazil in climate issues, in addition to giving visibility to the Amazonian biome, which is considered essential for the climate balance not only of the country but of the entire planet.
The expected number of participants for the entire event is over 30,000 people, including heads of state, ministers, international organizations, and social movements involved in climate activism. COP30 is discussing crucial environmental issues, such as progress towards targets for controlling global warming, the review of national climate commitments (NDCs), and the progress of financial pledges made during COP29.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the importance and symbolic significance of choosing Belém to host COP30: “This COP should ignite a decade of acceleration and results. The Amazon is the ideal place to remember that protecting the forests is protecting the future.”
The Amazon and the new global environmental pact
It is expected that during the event in Brazil, the country will lead discussions on a new, more sustainable economic model for tropical forests. One of the main initiatives presented at the event is the launch of the “Tropical Forest Forever Facility,” an international fund that values forests and offers financial support to countries and communities that preserve them.
Preparations and expectations for the event
One of Brazil’s main objectives after COP30 is to transform Belém into a model sustainable city, and this will be a major challenge. The federal government and the government of Pará have already drawn up an action plan and are working on the region’s infrastructure, which includes improvements in urban mobility, expansion of the hotel network, and measures to reduce the carbon footprint during the event.
Another important point about COP30 being held in Belém is the expectation that the event can be a showcase for Amazonian culture. In addition to the technical debates taking place at the event, parallel events related to COP30 are planned, highlighting the crafts, cuisine, music, and traditional knowledge of the region. The idea is to give visibility to the world about the preservation of the Amazon, and especially that, in addition to preserving the forest, the identities, ways of life, and stories that are part of the essence of Brazil are also being preserved.
What can we expect from COP30 and what will its future impacts be?
The choice of Belém as the host city for COP30 is a political achievement for Brazil, but above all, a call to action. This is because the event places the Amazon at the center of the global agenda when it comes to the environment, reinforcing the country’s commitment to combating the climate crisis.
With leaders and experts from around the world gathered at the conference over these days, the expectation is that policies will be promoted, in addition to investments and innovative solutions to climate issues. Belém will be a place for important decisions that could redefine the course of the planet. COP30 is an important moment for Brazil, for the Amazon, and for all people engaged in solutions to the climate crisis.