Enviro News Asia, Mexico City — Environment ministers from 22 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean gathered in Mexico City on 25–26 August to accelerate regional climate action and shape priorities ahead of COP30.
The Government of Mexico and the COP30 Presidency organized the meeting to strengthen multilateral cooperation and regional leadership in the international climate process.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum welcomed delegates at the National Palace, emphasizing that sustainable development must address poverty reduction and economic, social, and environmental inequalities, alongside sovereignty and self-determination.
COP30 President-Designate André Corrêa do Lago underlined Brazil’s commitment to prioritizing the fight against climate change.
He warned that unchecked climate impacts could undermine years of social progress across the region.
He also introduced the concept of a Global Mutirão, a collective effort in which all countries contribute according to their capacity, as a symbol of multilateralism to be advanced at COP30.
During opening remarks, Mexico’s Minister of the Environment, Alicia Bárcena, called for dialogue to confront common challenges. She stated that multilateralism remains the best strategy to achieve targets, generate synergies, and deliver collective solutions.
Delegates engaged in discussions on the COP30 Action Agenda, adaptation and resilience, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and regional priorities.
Sessions also addressed structural inequalities and the need for inclusive decision-making processes that place Latin American and Caribbean communities at the center.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the region contributes 11.3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, while 75% of its countries already face frequent extreme climate events.
Experts estimate that achieving climate commitments will require investments of 3.7% to 4.9% of regional GDP by 2030, equivalent to USD 215–284 billion annually.
A ministerial declaration is expected at the close of the meeting on Tuesday, summarizing agreements on climate finance, energy, and other key issues, with outcomes to guide the region’s contribution to COP30. (*)
