1. How can countries step up climate action?
With the planet warming at record speed and climate disasters intensifying, reducing emissions and adapting to impacts dominate the agenda. Delegates are analyzing key tools:
• Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC): National climate plans updated every five years. At COP30, countries are considering new ways to boost ambition and accelerate implementation.
• Progressive elimination of fossil fuels: COP28 agreed on a “transition away from fossil fuels.” Now, negotiators are debating whether a clearer, context-based roadmap for that change needs to be established.
• National Adaptation Plans (PAN): 72 countries have submitted plans, but most lack funding. A proposal: triple financing of adaptation by 2025.
• Global Adaptation Goal: The conversations focus on approximately 100 indicators to track adaptation progress around the world.
• Roadmap for forest financing: It already has the support of 36 governments representing 45 percent of global forest cover and 65 percent of GDP. Its goal is to close an annual gap of $66.8 billion for the protection and restoration of tropical forests.
2. How can money and technology reach those who need it most?
Political promises alone will not solve the climate crisis: they need real resources. COP30 negotiators are exploring ways to unlock finance and technology:
• Article 9.1 of the Paris Agreement: Developed countries must financially support developing nations. Delegates are considering an action plan and accountability tools.
• Roadmap from Baku to Belém to reach 1.3 trillion dollars: A proposal to mobilize $1.3 trillion annually for developing countries, with five areas of action and debt-free instruments under discussion.
• Loss and Damage Fund: Created at COP27 and launched at COP28 to help countries most affected by climate impacts. The Fund arrives at COP30 underfunded, prompting calls for more contributions.
• Green Climate Fund: The world’s largest climate fund, but its last replenishment cycle showed signs of decline.
• Global Environment Facility: It provides grants to developing countries, but current funding is considered inadequate.
• Technology implementation program: They aim to improve access to climate technologies, but negotiations remain divided over financial and trade barriers.
• Unilateral trade restrictive measures: Climate-related trade policies that can harm developing countries. An idea: create a platform to evaluate its impact.
3. How can climate action be fair and inclusive?
Even with funding, major transitions risk deepening inequalities unless they protect vulnerable communities. Negotiators are working on frameworks to ensure fairness:
• Just Transition Work Program: Promotes social justice, decent work and sustainable development. Countries expect a practical framework aligned with the realities of workers and communities.
• Gender Action Plan: Guides the integration of gender perspectives in climate action. The first plan was adopted in 2017; An updated version is planned for COP30.
Why what happens in Belém is important
The decisions made in Belém will determine how the Paris Agreement moves from words to action and whether global climate goals remain achievable. Behind closed doors, the atmosphere is clear: time is of the essence and the agreement cannot wait. These decisions will determine not only the pace of emissions cuts, but also whether justice is done to indigenous peoples, as well as Africa and developing nations, who bear the brunt of climate impacts despite contributing the least to the crisis.
UN News is reporting from Belémgiving you front-row coverage of everything happening at COP30.