“There is a deep awareness of what is at stake and the need to demonstrate that climate cooperation remains strong in a fractured world.”
His warning was blunt: “There is no time to waste with delays and obstructions.”
Over the next two days, ministers will present their positions in what is usually the most intense phase of the summit. Stiell urged delegations to address the most difficult issues now, not in a last-minute fight.
“There is no time to waste with tactical delays or evasions,” he said, adding: “The time for performative diplomacy has passed.”
Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change, speaks during the opening plenary session of the high-level segment.
The President of the UN General Assembly echoed that urgency, reminding negotiators that, despite the “headwinds” and numerous “ebbs and flows” of climate talks, “they cannot afford to gloat when people are counting on them.”
Annalena Baerbock struck a note of optimism, noting the unstoppable momentum of renewable energy and innovation: “The money exists but it needs to be redirected.”
He highlighted a stark figure: developing countries paid $1.4 trillion last year in external debt service, funds that could transform climate action if channeled into clean energy and resilience.
Speaking to reporters, Baerbock recalled that on Sunday he had taken a 30-minute boat trip from Belém to visit the island of Combu.
There, on the edge of the Amazon rainforest, he met with local indigenous communities “who are showing how sustainable development, economic growth and forest protection can go hand in hand.”
This, he said, “underlines once again that climate action is not a ‘good’ thing. It is not a charity. Climate action is in all of our economic and security interests.”
The 30th edition of the annual UN climate summit opened last Monday, November 10, and will conclude next Friday.
From words to action: Brazil calls for a new era
The vice president of Brazil, Geraldo Alckmin, declared that COP30 must mark a turning point. “The world must stop debating goals and start meeting them,” he said, adding that this means moving from negotiation to implementation.
Alckmin highlighted the Belém Commitment, an initiative to quadruple the use of sustainable fuels by 2035, which already has the support of 25 countries. He called for creativity in areas such as the bioeconomy and decarbonization, reaffirming Brazil’s commitment to “clean energy, innovation and inclusion.”
Brazilian officials confirmed that there are now two major decision packages on the table: one linked to frameworks and issues mandated by previous COPs and the other covering additional issues under negotiation, such as a gender action plan.
A draft of the first package is expected mid-week, but COP30 president André Corrêa do Lago warned that the schedule will be tight and that night sessions will likely be held.
Beyond the official corridors: the People’s Summit issues its verdict
While the ministers debated inside, the streets of Belém vibrated with energy. The People’s Summit, held from November 12 to 16, attracted more than 25,000 participants (the largest ever) and culminated in a 70,000-person climate justice march, the largest demonstration of its kind.
On Sunday, civil society delivered a package of proposals to Mr do Lago, alongside COP30 executive director Ana Toni and key ministers including Marina Silva and Sônia Guajajara.
Maureen Santos, from the Summit’s political committee, told us:
“I believe that this COP is serving as an example of democracy not only for the United Nations, but also for the world. And this is what multilateralism is: when the parties really interact beyond the States, and you see greater visibility for those who suffer the impacts of the crisis, who also present alternatives to confront it.”
Social movements are pushing hard on climate finance, warning of potential “green debts” and demanding a broader vision of a just transition, including jobs, food sovereignty and land rights, not just renewable energy.
The president of COP30, Ambassador André Corrêa do Lago, delivers a speech during the closing of the People’s Summit.
Solidarity in action: 300,000 meals served
The People’s Summit was not just about speeches. It was about solidarity. Groups such as the Landless Workers Movement (MTST) organized a vast “solidarity kitchen”, drawing on the experience of responding to last year’s floods in Rio Grande do Sul.
More than 300,000 free meals were served, with Amazonian staples such as jambu, açaí and pirarucu.
Rudi Rafael, who helped lead the operation, described the scale:
“We had 21 containers of 500 liters each, with a production line that prepared food boxes in just 26 seconds.”
For many, cooking symbolized hope, especially for those who defend indigenous lands, traditions and cultures. It’s a reminder that climate justice is as much about dignity and community as it is about politics.
UN Newsis reporting from Belém, giving you front-row coverage of everything happening at COP30.