World leaders gathered in Belém, Brazil, for the COP30 climate summit, where discussions are set to take place over the next two weeks regarding global climate policies, particularly focusing on financial support for forest protection. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva addressed the summit, expressing concern about “extremist forces” that spread misinformation about climate change, indirectly referencing U.S. President Trump’s previous comments downplaying climate science.
President Trump, who is not attending the summit, has faced criticism from various leaders for his rejection of established climate science and the rollback of significant climate policies during his administration. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer acknowledged a decline in the global political consensus on climate issues, noting that previously united support has eroded.
Notably, significant leaders from major nations such as India, Russia, and China are absent from this summit. This absence raises questions about the overall effectiveness of the gathering in driving climate action forward. During remarks made at the United Nations in September, Trump characterized climate change as a “con job” and criticized efforts to impose stringent climate policies on developed nations.
In light of these ongoing tensions, the UK announced its decision not to participate in a major $125 billion fund aimed at supporting global rainforests, a surprising move given its previous involvement and commitment to ending deforestation by 2030. This decision has caused frustration among Brazilian officials and raised questions about the UK’s commitment to global climate initiatives.
As negotiations begin, additional context will shape discussions surrounding the funding and support for countries already affected by climate impacts, with a particular focus on measures needed to protect critical ecosystems like the Amazon and Congo Basin, which are essential for regulating climate change.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn4j8dgnj1wo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss