COP30: Were this year's UN climate talks in Brazil a flop?

"COP30, as it's called, was hosted in Belem, a city on the edge of the Amazon rainforest, a crucial regulator of climate and home to many Indigenous peoples who are both hit hard by climate change and are part of the solution. It had the heft of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, an influential and charismatic leader on the international stage known for his ability to bring people together."

"In the end, none of that mattered. The final decision announced Saturday, which included some tangible things like an increase in money to help developing nations adapt to climate change, was overall watered-down compared to many conferences in the past decade and fell far short of many delegates' expectations. It didn't mention the words "fossil fuels," much less include a timeline to reduce their use."

COP30 convened in Belem on the edge of the Amazon with strong political presence and calls from over 80 nations for a roadmap to sharply reduce gas, oil, and coal. The final decision increased adaptation funding for developing nations but was broadly watered-down, omitted the words "fossil fuels," and lacked a timeline to cut their use. The outcome fell short of many delegates' expectations and risks eroding confidence in the U.N. climate process. Critics said scientific urgency was sidelined and decisions favored polluters, while a few saw limited positives and urged future action.

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