Syllabus: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Background and Context
- COP30 was held in Belem, Brazil, chosen for its location near the Amazon rainforest.
- This session marked a decade since the Paris Agreement, where 195 countries pledged to limit global warming to well below 2°C, and preferably 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
- The year 2024 recorded temperatures breaching the 1.5°C threshold for the first time, though repeated exceedances are required before it becomes the “new normal.”
Progress and Persistent Challenges
- COPs over the years have focused on shifting economies away from fossil-fuel dependence, setting fairness in responsibilities, and mobilising finance for climate goals.
- Many countries, including the U.S., now accept that renewable energy is the long-term solution.
- However, balancing rapid decarbonisation while maintaining economic growth and competitiveness remains difficult.
North–South Divide
- This has created two major blocs:
- Developed countries: pressing for strict timetables and firm targets to phase out fossil fuels.
- Developing nations and petro-states: resisting prescriptive commitments and demanding greater finance and action from richer nations.
Brazil’s Push for ‘Implementation’
- COP30 aimed to shift the conversation from pledges to practical implementation, stressing multilateralism and the Brazilian principle of “mutirão” (collective effort).
- The absence of the U.S. reduced cohesion among developed countries, giving more space to developing-country perspectives.
Key Themes: Adaptation and Just Transition
- Greater focus emerged on adaptation, recognising day-to-day climate impacts on livelihoods and ecosystems.
- Just transition received prominence, highlighting the need for fair support as countries restructure energy systems.
- Emphasis was placed on preparatory measures and finance commitments to strengthen climate resilience.
India’s Position
- India welcomed Brazil’s sensitivity to developing-country concerns.
- However, it did not announce updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) at COP30.
Conclusion
- The negotiation process leaves uncertainty about net progress, as pollution, deforestation, and climate denial continue visibly.
- Yet, COP remains humanity’s sole collective platform to avert escalating climate risks.