The Age of Eloquent Speeches and Noble Intentions is Finished: Brazil's UN Climate Conference Will Be About Concrete Steps

Today, within Brazil's Amazon region, the Belém conference commences prior to the 30th United Nations climate change conference (Cop30). I have convened global heads of state during the period before the conference to ensure collective dedication to taking swift measures with the necessary speed that the environmental emergency requires.

If we fail to move beyond rhetoric to tangible steps, our societies will lose faith – not only in the Cops, and in international cooperation and international politics more broadly. This is the reason for convening officials to the rainforest: to establish this as the "truthful Cop", the moment we demonstrate the seriousness of our shared commitment to the planet.

People have demonstrated their capacity to overcome great challenges through united efforts and scientific guidance. The ozone layer was safeguarded by us. The global response to the Covid-19 pandemic proved that the world can act decisively when there is courage and political will.

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. Over the past 33 years, these gatherings have produced important agreements and targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions – from ending deforestation by 2030 to tripling renewable energy capacity.

More than three decades later, global attention returns to Brazil to confront climate change. 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 observe the Amazon's actual conditions. Our aim is for global observation of the forests' real status, Earth's biggest river system, and the millions of people who live in the region. Cops cannot be mere showcases of good ideas or annual gatherings for negotiators. They should serve as encounters with actuality and opportunities for real steps against environmental shifts.

To confront this crisis together, we need resources. It's crucial to acknowledge that the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities stays as the fixed basis for all climate agreements. That is why the global south demands increased resource availability – not out of charity, but as fairness. Wealthy nations have gained the most from the carbon-based economy. They should now fulfill their obligations, not just through pledges but by honouring their debts.

Brazil is fulfilling its role. In only 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 to tackling climate change. Leading by example, Brazil has pledged $1 billion to the TFFF, and we anticipate similarly bold pledges from other countries.

We also set an example by becoming the second country to submit a fresh NDC. Brazil has committed to reducing its emissions by 59% to 67%, covering all greenhouse gases and every economic area. In this spirit, we call on all countries to propose similarly bold NDCs and to implement them effectively.

Shifting energy sources is crucial to meeting Brazil’s NDC. 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 advancing in wind, solar and green hydrogen energy.

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 cannot last.

Individuals should be the focus of political decisions about climate and the shift to clean energy. We must recognise that society's most at-risk groups are the most affected by the impacts of climate change, this is why equitable transition and adjustment strategies must aim to combat inequality.

It's crucial to remember that 2 billion people lack access to clean cooking methods and fuels, and 673 million people still live with hunger. To address this, we are introducing in Belém a statement on hunger, poverty, and climate. Our pledge to combat climate change should be closely tied to the effort to end hunger.

It is also fundamental that we advance the reform of global governance. Currently, multilateralism suffers from the paralysis of the UN security council. Created to preserve peace, it has not stopped conflicts. Hence, it is our responsibility to fight for the reform of this institution. During Cop30, we will push for the creation of a UN climate change council linked to the general assembly. It would be a new governance structure with the force and legitimacy to ensure that countries deliver on their promises, and an effective step toward reversing the current paralysis in global cooperation.

At every climate conference, numerous commitments are made yet few concrete actions follow. The time for intention statements is over: the moment for implementation plans is here. This is why we commence today the “Cop of truth”.

Anthony Robbins
Anthony Robbins

A tech-savvy journalist passionate about digital trends and storytelling, with a background in media and communications.