From November 10 to 21, the UN Climate Change Conference COP30 will be held in Belém, Brazil. The two-week negotiations will bring together delegates from around the world who will focus on the main goal—overcoming the climate crisis on the planet through concrete actions.
Before it's too late
On the eve of the climate conference, a number of studies and experts reported that at the current rate of greenhouse gas emissions, humanity will not be able to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement.
In particular, a report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) stated that a 1.5 °C increase in global temperature will occur within the next decade. This is inevitable, and in order to return to the Paris target in the future, countries will have to make additional efforts.
Therefore, this year's COP30 plans to discuss more specific issues rather than just declarations of good intentions. The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) statement notes:
"The focus has shifted to the actual implementation of commitments — translating NDCs into concrete actions that will accelerate the transition to clean energy, strengthen institutions, and deliver tangible benefits to people and the planet."
Geopolitical turbulence
The issue of decisive action to avoid climate catastrophe has become a weak spot for world leaders.
The US has been steadily moving away from environmental issues. On Donald Trump's first day as president, the United States withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement. So the news that the White House had decided not to send high-ranking officials to COP30 was unpleasant but expected.
Europeans are also dissatisfied with China's position. Accounting for 30% of global emissions, the country has made no contribution to the fight against climate change. The EU has therefore called on China to make greater environmental efforts commensurate with its economic development and pollution of the planet.
The European Union continues to be the global leader in the fight against climate change. However, even within this eco-conscious community, there are internal currents that hinder unity in climate ambitions.
The EU barely managed to agree on a common goal for COP30. By 2040, it plans to reduce emissions by 90% compared to 1990 levels, but with some concessions. In particular, these concessions concern carbon credits, which could actually reduce this figure by 5%.
Ukraine's commitments
Last week, Ukraine also announced its nationally determined contribution. By 2035, it plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 65% from 1990 levels.
The final figure was not reached immediately. In June, the Ministry of Environment proposed 68-73% in the NDC2 draft. However, the position of the business community, which considered these figures unrealistic due to the situation in the country, was not taken into account at that time.
EcoPolitic will follow the main events of COP30.
