An Age of Fine Addresses and Noble Aims is Finished: Brazil's Cop30 Will Be About Action

Today, in the Brazilian Amazon, the Belém summit opens ahead of the UN's 30th climate summit (Conference of the Parties 30). I have convened world leaders in the days leading up to the conference so that we can all commit to taking swift measures with the necessary speed that the environmental emergency requires.

If we fail to move beyond speeches into real action, public trust will diminish – not just in climate conferences, but in multilateralism and international politics more broadly. This is the reason for convening leaders to the Amazon: to make this the “Cop of truth”, the occasion where we prove the seriousness of our shared commitment toward Earth.

Humanity has shown its ability to conquer major obstacles when it acts together and is guided by science. The ozone layer was safeguarded by us. The global response to the Covid-19 pandemic proved that the world can act decisively with bravery and governmental determination.

Brazil hosted the Earth Summit in 1992. Agreements on climate, biodiversity, and desertification were endorsed, and adopted principles that defined a fresh model for protecting Earth and humankind. During the last three decades, these meetings have yielded key accords and targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions – including halting deforestation by 2030 to increasing renewable energy threefold.

After over thirty years, the world returns to Brazil to address the climate issue. There's a reason why Cop30 is being held deep within the Amazon jungle. This is an opportunity for politicians, diplomats, scientists, activists and journalists to witness the reality of the Amazon. Our aim is for global observation of the true state of the forests, Earth's biggest river system, and the numerous inhabitants of the area. Cops cannot be mere showcases of good ideas or annual gatherings for negotiators. They must be moments of contact with reality and opportunities for real steps against environmental shifts.

To confront this crisis together, we need resources. It's crucial to acknowledge that the concept of shared yet varied duties stays as the fixed basis of any climate pact. That is why the global south demands increased resource availability – not as aid, but as fairness. Wealthy nations have gained the most from the carbon-based economy. They must now rise to their responsibilities, not only by making commitments but by honouring their debts.

Brazil is fulfilling its role. Within just two years, we have already halved deforestation in the Amazon, demonstrating that real environmental measures can work.

In Belém, we will launch an innovative initiative to preserve forests: the TFFF fund. Its novelty lies in functioning as an investment fund, rather than a charity system. The TFFF will reward those who keep their forests standing and contributors to the fund. A true mutually beneficial strategy for addressing environmental issues. Setting an example, Brazil has announced an investment of $1bn in the TFFF, and we expect equally ambitious announcements from other nations.

We also set an example by being the second nation to submit a fresh NDC. Brazil has vowed to cut its emissions by 59% to 67%, including all emission types and every economic area. In this spirit, we urge all nations to present equally ambitious NDCs and to implement them effectively.

The energy transition is fundamental for achieving Brazil's climate goals. Our energy matrix is among the cleanest in the world, with 88% of our electricity coming from renewable sources. We excel in biofuel production and are progressing in wind, solar, and green hydrogen.

Redirecting revenues from oil production to fund a fair, structured energy shift is vital. Over time, oil companies worldwide, such as Brazil's Petrobras, will transform into energy companies, since an economic model reliant on fossil fuels is unsustainable.

People must be at the centre in climate policy choices and the energy transition. It's important to acknowledge that the most vulnerable sectors of our society are the most affected by the impacts of climate change, which is why just transition and adaptation plans should target reducing disparities.

We cannot forget that two billion individuals have no access to clean cooking methods and fuels, and over 673 million face hunger. In response, we are introducing in Belém a declaration on hunger, poverty and climate. Our commitment to fight global warming must be directly linked to the fight against hunger.

It is equally essential that we advance the reform of global governance. Today, multilateralism suffers from the paralysis within the UN Security Council. Created to preserve peace, it has not stopped conflicts. It is our duty, therefore to advocate for reforming this body. During Cop30, we will push for the creation of a UN climate change council connected to the General Assembly. It would be a new governance structure with the power and credibility to ensure that countries deliver on their promises, and a practical move towards overcoming the present deadlock of the multilateral system.

During each environmental summit, numerous commitments are made yet few concrete actions follow. The era of declarations of good intentions has ended: the time for action plans has arrived. That is why today we begin the "truthful Cop".