The importance of COP 30, its’ challenges and issues, political and practical.
COP30 in Context
Ahead of our Chief Exec Prof. Miranda Barker OBE DL and Director of Sustainability Stephen Sykes going to Brazil to represent East Lancashire and the wider British Chambers of Commerce at the world climate negotiations at COP30. This COP marks a pivotal moment in global climate diplomacy. To be held in Belém, a city at the gateway to the Amazon rainforest, this summit is symbolic for several reasons: it commemorates 10 years since the Paris Agreement, is the first COP hosted in the Amazon region, and arrives amid growing urgency to meet climate targets and rising geopolitical tensions. Despite its symbolic weight, COP30 faces a multitude of challenges that could hinder its effectiveness and inclusivity.
East Lancashire’s Mission
As well as the 3 half days British Chambers of Commerce programme, Miranda and Stephen will be engaging in the climate technology deployment track of the negotiations as well as liaising with Ministers and lead Civil Servants on the broader negotiations and developing contacts and potential funders/investors for our RedCAT Network.
Logistical and Infrastructure Challenges in Belém
Belém’s limited infrastructure is straining under the pressure of hosting a global summit. The city lacks sufficient hotel rooms for the thousands of expected delegates, media personnel, and civil society representatives. Prices for accommodation have skyrocketed, threatening the participation of smaller delegations and NGOs. Brazil’s government is scrambling to provide alternatives, including cruise ships and private homes, but concerns about inclusivity remain.
It is because of these logistical challenges, sadly, no Lancashire Business delegation will be going this year, other British Chambers from around the world will have members here, but the Lancashire contingent will be watching live and have regular feedback from Belem. We will also be representing them in the meetings and events that we are involved in.
Massive construction projects—totaling over $1.3 billion—have been undertaken to prepare Belém. Roads, pavements, and the airport are being upgraded, but many projects are behind schedule. Environmental degradation is evident, with waste disposal issues, pollution, and sanitation problems plaguing the city. Local communities are concerned that the summit’s legacy may be short-lived, with temporary jobs and superficial improvements.
Political and Diplomatic Tensions
A major procedural issue is whether COP30 should conclude with a cover decision – a political statement summarising key outcomes. Brazil’s COP30 President, André Corrêa do Lago, initially opposed the idea, citing concerns about transparency and lack of follow-up. However, pressure from both developed and developing countries has led to reconsideration.
Critics argue that cover decisions often become ‘Christmas trees,’ overloaded with unrelated issues and lacking implementation mechanisms. Alternatives like an ‘omnibus decision’ or an implementation forum are being discussed to ensure meaningful outcomes.
COP30 is the deadline for countries to submit updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for 2035. Many countries missed the February deadline; only about 61 had been submitted by October. We are now at 114, but still 83 shy of the expected number.
The government submitted the UK’s Nationally Determined Contributions on the 6th November 2024 just ahead of COP 29 in Baku. However, the Climate Action Tracker which monitors and assesses countries NDCs independently, gives the UK’s NDC an “insufficient” rating overall but in line with meeting a less than 2oC rise in overall rise in average global temperature. For full detail see https://climateactiontracker.org/countries/uk/
Major emitters like China, India, and parts of the EU have either delayed or submitted weak pledges.
This lack of ambition threatens the credibility of the Paris Agreement and undermines trust among nations.
Countries are now being urged to prepare and adapt for a 2oC rise but may have to adapt to as much as 4oC before the end of the century.
Climate Finance: The Trillion-Dollar Question
Climate finance remains a contentious issue. COP29 in Baku ended with a pledge of $300 billion annually by 2035, far below the estimated need. A broader goal of $1.3 trillion annually was set, but without clear mechanisms or accountability. Developing nations are demanding specific, verifiable commitments at COP30. A new adaptation finance target is on the agenda, as previous commitments expire. Small island states and vulnerable nations are pushing for equitable distribution and accessibility of funds. The UAE–Belém work programme aims to develop indicators to measure adaptation progress, but consensus is lacking.
Emissions and the Global Stocktake
The world is not on track to limit warming to 1.5°C. Emissions continue to rise, and current pledges are insufficient. (see https://climateactiontracker.org/) COP30 will serve as a stocktake of progress since the Paris Agreement, and the results are expected to be sobering. Countries like China have submitted modest targets (7–10% reduction by 2035), falling short of expectations. The EU is divided internally and may submit its NDC just days before the summit. Brazil, as host, is under pressure to lead by example and push for higher ambition.
Forest Protection and Indigenous Rights
Brazil is launching the Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF), https://tfff.earth/ a global fund to reward countries for preserving tropical forests. The goal is to raise $25 billion from donor nations and $100 billion from the private sector. Brazil has pledged $1 billion to kickstart the fund. 20% of the funds are earmarked for Indigenous communities, recognising their role in forest stewardship. In 2024, tropical forest loss hit a record high—18 football fields per minute—driven by fires and illegal activities. COP30 aims to galvanise global support to end deforestation by 2030, but enforcement and funding remain challenges.
Social and Environmental Justice
Around 3,000 Indigenous people are expected to attend COP30, bringing attention to land rights, biodiversity, and climate justice. Their inclusion is vital for meaningful outcomes, especially in discussions on forest protection and adaptation. Belém’s environmental issues reflect broader systemic problems: poor sanitation, pollution, and waste management failures undermine the city’s readiness. These issues highlight the disconnect between global climate ambitions and local realities.
Energy Transition and Fossil Fuels
The EU and other actors are pushing for tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030, doubling energy efficiency improvements, and phasing out fossil fuel subsidies. Some countries remain reluctant to commit to fossil fuel phase-outs. COP28’s watered-down language on fossil fuels (‘reduce’ vs. ‘phase out’) may resurface in debates at COP30.
Implementation vs. Symbolism
Billed as the Implementation COP, experts argue that COP30 should focus on real-world impact rather than symbolic declarations. A proposed Belém Implementation Plan would outline concrete steps, timelines, and responsibilities. This shift could help overcome the limitations of cover decisions and ensure follow-through.
Conclusion: A Critical Juncture
COP30 in Belém is more than a climate summit—it’s a test of global resolve. The challenges are immense: logistical hurdles threaten inclusivity, political divisions risk diluting ambition, financial gaps undermine trust, and environmental degradation in the host city reflects broader systemic failures.
Yet, the summit also presents opportunities: to reinvigorate climate finance, to protect forests and Indigenous rights, and to align global efforts with science-based targets.
Whether COP30 becomes a turning point or a missed opportunity will depend on the ability of nations to move beyond rhetoric and deliver concrete, inclusive, and ambitious climate action.
Featured News
12 December 2025
