30th annual climate meeting of the UN, Conference of Parties (COP30) begins in Belem

IN NEWS

The 30th annual United Nations Climate Conference, or Conference of Parties (COP30), has begun in Belem, Brazil, bringing together leaders, scientists, activists, and policymakers from over 190 countries to strengthen global cooperation on combating climate change and global warming.

ANALYSIS

• Event Overview:
  • COP30 marks the 30th annual meeting under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
  • The summit runs from November 10 to November 21, 2025, focusing on reinforcing international climate commitments and sustainable pathways to limit global temperature rise.
• Participation:
  • Over 190 countries are represented, including global leaders such as UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, delegations from China, and key representatives from scientific, business, and civil society organizations.
  • The participation underscores a collective global effort to mitigate the adverse impacts of environmental degradation and climate emergencies.
• Significance of Belem:
  • The choice of Belem, Brazil, reflects the symbolic importance of the Amazon rainforest — often called the “lungs of the planet” — which plays a vital role in absorbing carbon dioxide and regulating the Earth’s climate.
  • Holding the conference here emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable management of tropical forests and biodiversity conservation.
• Expected Outcomes:
  • Renewed national commitments (Nationally Determined Contributions or NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
  • Enhanced discussions on climate finance, particularly for developing nations facing the brunt of global warming.
  • Strengthened frameworks for adaptation, mitigation, and technology transfer.
  • Promotion of global net-zero emission strategies by mid-century.
• Context:
  • COP30 follows COP29, where discussions revolved around global stocktake mechanisms and the operationalization of climate finance commitments.
  • This year’s conference aims to ensure equitable climate responsibility between developed and developing nations, building on past UNFCCC milestones.

STATIC PART

• Full Form: Conference of the Parties (COP) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
• Established: 1995 (COP1 held in Berlin, Germany).
• Key Objective: To review the implementation of the UNFCCC, assess progress, and set future climate goals.
• Major Milestones:
  • COP3 (Kyoto Protocol, 1997) – legally binding emission targets.
  • COP21 (Paris Agreement, 2015) – global consensus to limit warming below 2°C.
  • COP28 (Dubai, 2023) – Global Stocktake and phase-down of fossil fuels.
• Host for COP30: Belem, Brazil (Amazon region).
• Dates: November 10–21, 2025.

Updated – 10 Nov 2025, 06:14 PM | Down To Earth