1. Context and Significance

COP30 marks the 30th Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change).

What makes this COP special:

• It takes place in Brazil, in the Amazon region — a symbol at the crossroads of climate, biodiversity, development, and environmental challenges.

• It follows the first Global Stocktake under the Paris Agreement, creating strong pressure to move from commitments to concrete action.

• The world is facing a “gap between ambition and reality”, especially regarding emissions, finance, and adaptation.

Therefore, COP30 is seen as a critical checkpoint that will help determine whether the goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C remains achievable.

Figure 1. Aerial photo showing the Amazon rainforest and the city of Belém in the background, ahead of COP30, taken on Combu Island, Belém, Pará State, Brazil, on August 10, 2025.

2. Key Changes and New Focus Areas

a) From “Negotiation” to “Implementation”

One of the biggest shifts at COP30 is that it focuses less on drafting new agreements and more on delivering existing commitments — emphasizing action over words.

Figure 2. At the opening session of the 2025 UN Climate Conference, UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that there remains a large gap between ambition and real action in efforts to keep the 1.5°C target alive. Photo: UN.

• The COP30 Action Agenda aims to mobilize efforts from civil society, businesses, cities, and investors — not only governments.

• The conference introduces 6 major pillars and 30 key goals centered on implementation: emission reduction, adaptation, finance, technology, and capacity building.

• It also features “activation groups” — 30 thematic groups tasked with tracking and accelerating real-world initiatives.

b) Strengthening Adaptation and Climate Justice

Adaptation and equity are core priorities:

• COP30 emphasizes that adaptation is not just a cost — it’s a necessity.

• It highlights the links between climate and sustainable development, particularly biodiversity protection, forest conservation, Indigenous rights, and a just economic transition.

• It brings just transition to the forefront, addressing inequalities in gender, race, and economic conditions tied to climate impacts.

c) Climate Finance, Energy Transition, and Ecosystem Protection

Three specific areas are being pushed forward:

• Climate finance: COP29 set ambitious funding goals for developing nations. COP30 reviews progress and calls for scaled-up commitments.

• Energy transition: accelerating energy efficiency, renewables, and the gradual phaseout of fossil fuels — with Europe already announcing new goals at COP30.

• Forests, oceans, and biodiversity: given its Amazon setting, forest protection and ecological restoration are key priorities.

d) Reforming Global Climate Governance

• Streamlining negotiation procedures: clearer timelines, fewer redundant documents, and greater efficiency.

• Strengthening the role of non-state actors — cities, companies, investors, and civil society — through the Action Agenda.

• Enhancing transparency, accountability, and dialogue to prevent “big pledges, small delivery.”

3. Priority Issues at COP30

Key topics expected to dominate the agenda:

• Submission and upgrade of NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions): around 100 countries have updated or announced new targets ahead of COP30.

• Assessing the ambition gap: despite commitments, the world is still far from meeting the 1.5°C target.

• Finance for adaptation and loss & damage: developing nations demand more concrete financial pledges from developed countries.

• Energy transition and fossil fuel phaseout: including heavy industry, transport, and cement sectors.

• Forest and ecosystem protection, especially the Amazon: seen as a major carbon sink and a global climate symbol.

• Adaptation and resilience building: covering coastal areas, urban infrastructure, water systems, and Indigenous communities.

• Climate justice and human rights: ensuring inclusion and protection of Indigenous peoples, minorities, and women.

Figure 3. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva stressed that “submitting NDCs is not optional — it is a legal obligation.” Photo: UNFCCC.

4. Shifts in Approach

• From commitments to implementation — measuring and tracking real action.

• Embracing a whole-of-society and cross-sector approach — with stronger participation from non-state actors.

• A clearer action framework — 6 pillars, 30 goals, and activation groups instead of vague policy texts.

• Greater emphasis on adaptation and justice — not just emission reduction.

• Increased transparency and procedural reform to accelerate progress.

5. Major Challenges

Despite these positive changes, COP30 faces significant hurdles:

• Many countries have yet to submit or update their NDCs on time.

• Climate finance remains contentious — developing nations need far more resources.

• The risk that COP30 becomes a symbolic showcase rather than a forum for real action, especially given the sensitivity of its Amazon venue.

• Negotiations remain complex and vulnerable to national interests and delays.

6. Conclusion

COP30 is not just another climate summit — it is a turning point to shift from words to deeds.
Its Amazon setting carries deep symbolism, underscoring the urgency of adaptation, biodiversity protection, and climate justice.

If COP30 can deliver stronger NDCs, clearer finance mechanisms, and tangible cross-sector action, it could mark a decisive step toward keeping the 1.5°C goal alive.
If not, the gap between promises and practice will only deepen — with consequences for the planet’s shared future.