The Brazilian government has announced that the city of Belém will serve as the host for the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) on climate change in November 2025. Belém, often referred to as the gateway to the Amazon River and Rainforest, was endorsed by the Latin America and Caribbean region and awaits official confirmation at the upcoming COP28 talks.
View of Amazon Rainforest, Brazil.
President Lula da Silva emphasised the importance of showcasing the Amazon Rainforest, a central topic in previous climate talks. His vision is to enable delegates from around the world to gain firsthand knowledge of the region's rivers, forests, and fauna. To address deforestation, Lula has appointed Marina Silva, a former environment minister known for her successful efforts in reducing deforestation during her previous tenure.
Read more: Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon hits lowest level since 2019
Belém, the capital of the state of Pará, is the second most populous city in the Amazon region after Manaus. While the choice of Belém holds symbolic significance and can raise awareness about the Amazon's role in climate negotiations, it is crucial to reverse the current deforestation trend in Brazil, which leads the world in deforestation.
Read more: Deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest: causes, effects, solutions
However, hosting COP30 in Belém presents logistical challenges, including concerns about infrastructure, costs, digital connectivity, and accommodation for the estimated 30,000 attendees. Additionally, travel expenses to the Amazon region can be high, potentially escalating due to the demand from COP30 participants.
Despite these challenges, hosting COP30 in Belém can send a strong message to the global community regarding the Amazon's importance in climate negotiations and involve local populations in the discussions. Belém's historical charm and previous experience in hosting large-scale events provide a favourable backdrop for the conference.
The rotation of COP hosts among the United Nations' regional groupings will bring the 2025 talks to Latin America and the Caribbean. With no other country publicly expressing interest in hosting, Brazil's selection of Belém reaffirms the region's commitment to addressing global sustainability challenges. Previous COP meetings in Latin America have taken place in Buenos Aires, Cancún, Lima, and Madrid (after Chile's cancellation due to protests).
As preparations begin for COP30, it remains crucial for Brazil to reverse the deforestation trend and ensure that the conference makes a tangible impact on climate action, moving beyond symbolic gestures.
At DGB Group, our commitment lies in recognising the immense power of nature and the fundamental role that biodiversity plays in sustaining life on our planet. With a strong dedication to promoting biodiversity and conservation, we channel our efforts through carbon projects. These initiatives are carefully crafted to foster the growth of robust and vibrant ecosystems. Collaborating closely with farmers, landowners, governments, and conservation organisations, we strive to transform this vision into a tangible reality. By actively enhancing biodiversity and providing support for conservation, we aim to create a sustainable future for all.
Join our mission for a better tomorrow
