Brazil Faces Challenges Ahead of Hosting COP30 Amidst Climate Commitments

As Brazil prepares to host the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém from November 10 to 21, 2025, the nation is actively engaging in a series of events and initiatives aimed at reinforcing its commitment to global climate action. These efforts, however, are juxtaposed against internal challenges and policy decisions that have sparked debate about the country's environmental direction.

Business Leaders Advocate for Clean Energy in São Paulo

On November 3, over 100,000 companies convened in São Paulo to advocate for governmental incentives promoting the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. This gathering, coordinated by the We Mean Business Coalition, resulted in an open letter urging governments to "urgently" provide incentives for clean energy adoption. Maria Mendiluce, CEO of the coalition, emphasized the necessity of multilateral action and heightened ambition in climate initiatives.

Local Leaders Forum in Rio de Janeiro Amid Public Protests

Simultaneously, Rio de Janeiro hosted the Local Leaders Forum from November 3 to 5, co-organized by the COP30 Presidency and Bloomberg Philanthropies. The forum aimed to showcase how subnational leaders are driving global climate progress. However, the event coincided with public protests over a recent violent crime crackdown in the city, highlighting the complex interplay between domestic security issues and international climate diplomacy.

Earthshot Prize Ceremony at the Museum of Tomorrow

On November 5, Prince William hosted the Earthshot Prize ceremony at Rio's Museum of Tomorrow, marking the first time the event was held in Latin America. The Earthshot Prize awards £1 million to each of five winners annually for innovative solutions to global environmental challenges. Brazilian broadcaster Luciano Huck served as the official host, with performances by artists including Anitta, Gilberto Gil, Kylie Minogue, Seu Jorge, and Shawn Mendes. Notably, Catherine, Princess of Wales, did not attend due to personal and family-related reasons, including her ongoing recovery from cancer remission and the family's upcoming relocation.

Preparations and Challenges for COP30 in Belém

COP30 is set to take place from November 10 to 21 in Belém, marking the first time the conference will be held in a rainforest, emphasizing the importance of indigenous voices and forest conservation. However, the conference faces logistical challenges, including high accommodation costs and limited hotel space, leading to concerns about accessibility for delegations from smaller nations and non-governmental organizations. Authorities have managed to secure accommodations for 132 countries, meeting the minimum required for decision validation, but 49 countries still seek accommodation. Some attendees are expected to stay in unconventional locations such as cruise ships, army barracks, schools, or converted motels.

Contradictory Policies and Environmental Concerns

In the lead-up to COP30, Brazil's approval of exploratory oil drilling near the mouth of the Amazon River by state-run Petrobras has drawn criticism from environmental groups. The decision, made just weeks before the climate summit, is seen as contradictory to global climate goals and potentially undermines the conference's objectives. Environmental activists, along with Indigenous and civil rights groups, have filed a lawsuit against the government and Petrobras, citing environmental risks and technical flaws in the licensing process.

Security Concerns Ahead of COP30

Security remains a critical concern ahead of COP30. A violent police operation in Rio de Janeiro resulted in nearly 120 deaths, highlighting Brazil’s broader struggles with organized crime. The federal government is under pressure to ensure the safety of approximately 50,000 participants. To address potential risks, the governor of Pará has requested a "guaranteeing law and order" decree, allowing the military to assume control of security in Belém during the summit.

As Brazil stands at the forefront of global climate discussions, the nation faces the challenge of balancing its aspirations for environmental leadership with internal and external complexities. The upcoming COP30 conference will serve as a pivotal moment to assess Brazil's commitment to sustainable development and its capacity to navigate the multifaceted landscape of global climate diplomacy.