The 2023 UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, wrapped up with dozens of agreements but fell short on several key issues, including limiting global heating to 1.5°C and increasing climate finance for vulnerable countries.
A major threat to progress was the US withdrawal from the conference, with President Donald Trump launching a summit in Washington alongside Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This move emboldened Riyadh to stifle any mention of fossil fuels, despite language on this being agreed at COP28 in Dubai.
Another obstacle was Brazil itself, whose split between environmental and economic interests led to conflicting messages from the government. While President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's team pushed for a roadmap away from fossil fuels and deforestation, his foreign ministry remained hesitant and needed prompting from the president himself.
European countries faced criticism for their parsimonious approach to climate finance, with some even delaying the implementation of their updated nationally determined contribution (NDC) plans. This lack of coordination led to suspicions that these policies were merely bargaining chips to delay action on adaptation finance.
Global conflicts also took a toll on the conference, with governments prioritizing military spending over climate aid and media attention shifting away from climate issues altogether. Notably, none of the four major US news networks sent a team to Belém, highlighting the public's growing disconnection from climate talks.
Perhaps most concerning was the rusty, cranky approach to global decision-making, where consensus decision-making leaves any country with a veto power that is increasingly inadequate in light of humanity's existential threat. This is evident in the repeated frustration among small island states and high-ambition nations, which led to the issuance of their own declaration and plans for phasing out fossil fuels.
The future of climate progress hangs in the balance as countries face mounting pressure from science, demographics, and economic trends that are shifting power towards the global south. If left unaddressed, these issues could spell doom for the Paris agreement, which is already struggling to meet its goals.
A major threat to progress was the US withdrawal from the conference, with President Donald Trump launching a summit in Washington alongside Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This move emboldened Riyadh to stifle any mention of fossil fuels, despite language on this being agreed at COP28 in Dubai.
Another obstacle was Brazil itself, whose split between environmental and economic interests led to conflicting messages from the government. While President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's team pushed for a roadmap away from fossil fuels and deforestation, his foreign ministry remained hesitant and needed prompting from the president himself.
European countries faced criticism for their parsimonious approach to climate finance, with some even delaying the implementation of their updated nationally determined contribution (NDC) plans. This lack of coordination led to suspicions that these policies were merely bargaining chips to delay action on adaptation finance.
Global conflicts also took a toll on the conference, with governments prioritizing military spending over climate aid and media attention shifting away from climate issues altogether. Notably, none of the four major US news networks sent a team to Belém, highlighting the public's growing disconnection from climate talks.
Perhaps most concerning was the rusty, cranky approach to global decision-making, where consensus decision-making leaves any country with a veto power that is increasingly inadequate in light of humanity's existential threat. This is evident in the repeated frustration among small island states and high-ambition nations, which led to the issuance of their own declaration and plans for phasing out fossil fuels.
The future of climate progress hangs in the balance as countries face mounting pressure from science, demographics, and economic trends that are shifting power towards the global south. If left unaddressed, these issues could spell doom for the Paris agreement, which is already struggling to meet its goals.
The thing that really gets me about COP30 is how shortchanged vulnerable countries are when it comes to climate finance 
. I mean, they're literally begging for help and what do we get? Petty squabbles over fossil fuels 
. Like, come on guys! We've got a planet to save here 
. The lack of coordination from European countries is just mind-boggling 
. It's like they think their NDC plans are some kind of magic solution 
. Meanwhile, small island states and high-ambition nations are getting frustrated because consensus decision-making is basically holding back progress 
. We need to get over our egos and work together if we want to save the planet 
.
. The US withdrawal and Brazil's mixed messages were major roadblocks 
. It's like they're more interested in saving face than actually making progress 
. And what's with Europe being so stingy with climate finance? 
. The lack of coordination is gonna be a major problem down the line, imo 
. Small island states and high-ambition nations are getting frustrated, and it's hard not to blame them 
. We need to find ways to work together and make decisions that actually benefit everyone, not just countries with veto power 
. It's time for a new approach, one that doesn't prioritize politics over planet 
.
it's like we're stuck in neutral 
anyone else think the lack of progress on limiting heating and climate finance is a major bummer? 
but im still holding out hope that the global south will rise to the challenge and take action on their own terms 
News outlets should be focusing more on this stuff, imo. And those small island states and high-ambition nations - they're basically carrying the torch for everyone else... it's not fair. 
. The US just ghosted the whole thing and now everyone's stuck with the bill? It's like, come on guys! If you're gonna be all about climate change, at least show up to the party 
. And what's with Brazil being so split on environmental issues? Can't they just get their priorities straight? 
. Climate finance is like, super important, but apparently not when it comes down to actually putting your money where your mouth is 
.
. The global south is already feeling the heat, and it's not just because of the temperature 
. I'm so over countries playing both sides - Brazil can't even get their own act together let alone help the rest of us out of this mess. And what's with the US just ghosting the whole thing? 
. There'll be setbacks, but we can't let those stop us from keeping the conversation going. It's all about building momentum and finding ways to work together – even when it gets tough. 
and brazil's all over the place too 
with lula pushing for eco-friendly solutions but his govt is all about the benjamins 
what's going on?! 
. and brazil, like, your environment team is pushing for change but the foreign ministry is all about the benjamins