The location of the summit, at the mouth of the Amazon in Belém, highlights its symbolic significance and the challenges that lie ahead.
On the opening day, Simon Stiell, the executive secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, urged delegates to unite in the fight against the climate crisis rather than compete over priorities.
However, the absence of a senior U.S. delegation undermines the meeting’s momentum. While state and local leaders from the U.S., such as California Governor Gavin Newsom, made notable appearances, a notable void remains in federal policy.
The agenda is broad and ambitious, encompassing topics such as phasing out fossil fuels, enhancing climate finance for developing nations, safeguarding indigenous rights and forest ecosystems, and leveraging new technologies like artificial intelligence for climate action.
The Green Digital Action Hub and the AI Climate Institute were launched at the summit. Observers warn that without federal engagement from the U.S., progress may be limited.
Developing nations and emerging economies are calling for financing commitments and a quicker transition, whereas fossil-fuel-dependent states are resisting rapid changes.
As the host, Brazil is advocating for forest conservation and renewable investments, but also faces internal contradictions regarding oil exploration.
