COP30 closed with a clear but complex message: the world is making progress in the climate fight, but not at the necessary pace. Despite the agreement reached between 194 countries, the climate challenge is still as current as it is fragmented, and the concrete implementation of actions is still the pending task.
Diplomatic breakthroughs and tensions in the climate fight
From Brazil, the presidency of the COP30 emphasized restoring confidence in multilateralism and accelerating actions that connect with people’s daily lives. However, global tensions did not let up. National priorities, conflicts over strategic resources and the politicization of the climate set the tone for the negotiations.
In this context, the final agreement was perceived as more flexible than desired. Although the commitment to the 1.5°C limit was maintained, the paths to get there are still full of obstacles.
Figures and commitments: what remained on paper
Among the key elements of the agreement are the emission reduction targets: 43% by 2030 and 60% by 2035 compared to 2019 levels, with the goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. In financial terms, it was agreed to mobilize $300 billion annually for developing countries until 2035, and to sustain the broader goal of $1.3 trillion per year through public and private investment.
There were also advances in the recognition of climate-related human rights, and for the first time a commitment was included to address climate disinformation, a factor that undermines science-based efforts.
Parallel momentum: coalitions and roadmaps
Faced with the difficulty of reaching global consensus, several countries opted to form parallel agreements. More than 80 countries, led by Colombia, supported a roadmap to phase out fossil fuels. Brazil and other partners launched the Tropical Forests Forever Fund, with combined financing of $125 billion. In addition, 20 countries signed a declaration on the integrity of climate information.
These movements reflect a change in the dynamics of the summits: where there is no universal agreement, specific initiatives emerge with like-minded groups pushing specific agendas.
What’s next: COP31 and new leaderships
The next summit is already underway. Turkey will take the chair and Australia will lead the negotiations. Issues such as the situation of the Pacific islands are expected to gain visibility as the country blocs continue to seek ways to achieve the goals agreed upon almost a decade ago in Paris.
Despite progress, the message is clear: more ambition, more implementation and less procrastination are needed. Climate multilateralism still has life in it, but it requires firm decisions and sustained action that transcends individual interests.
As the president of COP30, André Corrêa do Lago, said: “We are gathered here to try to change things”. The challenge now is to turn that attempt into concrete results.
Source and photo: DNV