In early May 2025, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva proposed the establishment of a United Nations Climate Change Council to enforce global climate commitments. This initiative comes as Brazil prepares to host the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in November in Belém, a city in the Amazon region.

President Lula's proposal aims to address the enforcement gap in existing frameworks like the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Ambassador André Corrêa do Lago, presiding over COP30, emphasized that the UNFCCC lacks the mandate for enforcement, underscoring the need for a dedicated council to ensure compliance with climate agreements. The COP30 presidency has recommended that discussions for new governance structures take place within the United Nations General Assembly to explore better coordination, resource mobilization, and data sharing.

The call for enhanced governance coincides with the upcoming 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to below 2°C. Current plans, however, still fall short, targeting about 2.6°C. Brazil is actively seeking international support for this proposal, though immediate outcomes are not anticipated.

Belém, the host city for COP30, is undergoing significant preparations to accommodate the conference. The city faces challenges such as pollution, inadequate infrastructure, and high crime rates. To address these issues, the Brazilian government has invested approximately BRL 4.7 billion in infrastructure projects, including the construction of the 500,000-square-meter Parque da Cidade, which will serve as the main venue for the conference. Other initiatives include the renovation of the Ver-o-Peso Complex and the São Brás Market, as well as the expansion of the Belém/Val-de-Cans International Airport to handle increased traffic.

Accommodation is another critical aspect of the preparations. With over 60,000 visitors expected, Belém's current capacity of 18,000 beds is insufficient. To address this, the government is supporting the construction of new hotels and the renovation of existing facilities. Additionally, unconventional solutions such as utilizing love motels, ferries, and school classrooms as lodging are being considered. The government has also allocated BRL 172 million from the Tourism General Fund (FUNGETUR) to improve the quality and expand Belém’s hotel network and tourism services.

However, some infrastructure projects have sparked controversy. The construction of the 13-kilometer "Liberdade" expressway, aimed at alleviating traffic congestion, cuts through one of Belém’s last remaining rainforests. Critics argue that this project contradicts the conference’s focus on conservation and climate protection. The state government insists that no development will be permitted along the expressway, but environmentalists remain concerned about potential ecological damage.

Hosting COP30 in the Amazon brings global attention to the region's environmental and socio-economic challenges. The conference provides an opportunity for Brazil to showcase its efforts in environmental conservation and sustainable development. As President Lula stated, "The Amazon has always been a central theme at the COPs. Now, it will be the stage for the world to get to know the Amazon and the people of Pará as they really are."

The success of COP30 will depend on Brazil's ability to balance development and conservation, address local challenges, and foster international collaboration to strengthen global climate governance.