Enviro News Asia, Belém — The opening of the Belém Climate Summit (COP30) on November 6, 2025, marked a historic moment as global leaders gathered under the theme “Climate and Nature: Forests and Oceans.” Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva called it the “COP of truth” — a turning point to forge a global pact for the life of forests, oceans, and humanity. Alongside him, the European Union (EU) reaffirmed its unwavering leadership in climate action, highlighting a decade of progress since the Paris Agreement.
“It is time to turn ambition into action and restore balance between growth and sustainability,” President Lula declared in his keynote address.
A Global Call for Unity
The session, attended by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Special Envoy for Oceania Jacinda Ardern, and representatives from over 50 countries and three international organizations, emphasized urgent cooperation to safeguard nature.
President Lula announced the Declaration of Call to Action on Integrated Fire Management and Wildfire Resilience, endorsed by participating nations to strengthen global resilience against the impacts of climate change.
Lula highlighted Brazil’s progress, stating that deforestation in the Amazon has fallen by over 50%, reaching its lowest rate in 11 years. He also reaffirmed Brazil’s goal to end illegal deforestation and restore 40 million hectares of degraded land within the next decade.
“The fires that consume our forests do not respect borders. No country can face the climate crisis alone,” Lula said.
The EU’s Commitment to Climate Leadership
At the same summit, the European Union reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to climate leadership and global cooperation.
Led by European Council President António Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra, and Special Envoy Anthony Agotha, the EU showcased its achievements and forward-looking targets.
Since 1990, the EU has cut greenhouse gas emissions by 37%, while its economy grew by nearly 70%. The bloc remains on track to cut emissions by at least 55% by 2030 and achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
Its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) aims for a 66–72% reduction in emissions by 2035, and a 90% reduction by 2040.
“The EU remains firmly committed to a fair, balanced, and socially responsible climate transition — one that creates opportunities,” said President António Costa.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen added: “At COP30, we underline our strong commitment to the Paris Agreement. The global clean transition is ongoing and irreversible — and it must be fair and inclusive.”
Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra urged nations to deliver concrete results: “We must keep 1.5°C within reach and strengthen global resilience to the impacts already here.”
New Global Partnerships Announced
The Tropical Forests Forever Fund (TFFF) was praised by the UN Secretary-General as a crucial initiative to protect the planet’s lungs.
Nine countries — including Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Fiji, Indonesia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo — also signed an Intergovernmental Commitment on Land Tenure, pledging protection for 160 million hectares of land for Indigenous and local communities, backed by USD 1.87 billion from Norway, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands.
In addition, President Lula confirmed that Brazil will ratify the High Seas Treaty by the end of 2025, ensuring sustainable management of marine biodiversity beginning in 2026.
Meanwhile, the EU called for:
- Accelerating the global clean energy transition;
- Implementing commitments under the Global Stocktake;
- Advancing adaptation measures within the UAE–Belém Framework for Global Climate Resilience;
- Establishing a Global Carbon Pricing Coalition to align carbon markets worldwide.
A Decisive Decade Ahead
The joint messages from Brazil and the EU underscore the urgent need for global cooperation in the decisive decade to come.
From Belém, at the heart of the Amazon, world leaders are renewing their pledge to protect nature, strengthen economies, and safeguard future generations.
“The transition is happening — and the EU, together with Brazil and our global partners, continues to lead,” said Anthony Agotha, EU Special Envoy for Climate and Environment. (*)
