Brazil will have world leaders speak before COP30 to ease logistics in Belém. This change aims to address hotel and transport pressures. While some view it as diminishing the summit’s impact, others believe it enhances political momentum for climate action. Concerns over Belém’s capacity and infrastructure developments also arise as preparations continue for the event.
Brazil has announced that world leaders will deliver their speeches on climate action several days prior to the commencement of the COP30 negotiations, which are set to officially begin on November 10. This schedule alteration aims to alleviate the logistical burden on hotels and transport services in Belém, the medium-sized Amazon city hosting the conference. Instead of the traditional practice of having leaders speak during the first few days, the speeches will now occur on November 6 and 7.
Valter Correia, the extraordinary secretary for COP30, stated, “The [World Leaders’] Summit is part of the COP, and the decision to bring it forward was made by Brazil. This change will allow for more in-depth reflection without logistical pressures, facilitating better organisation at the event’s official opening.” Responses from climate campaigners have been mixed; while some criticize the change, others argue that it may not significantly affect the summit’s outcomes.
Natalie Unterstell, president of the Talanoa Institute, expressed concerns suggesting that the separation of the World Leaders’ Summit from actual negotiations could diminish media attention and pressure on negotiators. “Splitting the World Leaders’ Summit from the actual negotiations is like having the opening act perform after the main show – it disrupts the flow and weakens the impact,” said Unterstell.
Conversely, Alden Meyer from E3G called the change pragmatic and stated that it could generate “political momentum” for Brazil’s vision of a COP that emphasizes the shift from negotiations to actionable plans for climate implementation. He reassured that security for climate lobbyists will remain robust despite the change in scheduling.
This year’s COP30 will be notably held in the Amazon rainforest for the first time, accommodating an expected influx of delegates to the city of Belém, which has a population of 1.3 million. Concerns have been raised regarding the city’s capacity to host thousands of attendees. COP30 president André Aranha Corrêa Do Lago defended the decision, highlighting the importance of the Amazon in the fight against climate change, despite concerns about security and accessibility that were raised during a recent informal UN plenary.
To address accommodation needs, the Brazilian government has announced plans to provide 26,000 new lodging options via river cruise boats, rental apartments, and military installations. However, extensive infrastructure developments, including a controversial 13-kilometer highway through the rainforest deemed essential for logistics, have faced scrutiny for potentially impacting protected lands and local communities.
In conclusion, Brazil’s decision to host the World Leaders’ Summit prior to COP30 aims to address logistical challenges while maintaining focus on climate action. Despite mixed reactions from climate advocates, the shift promises to facilitate better organization and in-depth dialogues on critical issues. As the event approaches, Brazil is also making significant efforts to enhance logistics and accommodation in Belém, emphasizing the symbolic importance of the Amazon in addressing climate change.
Original Source: www.climatechangenews.com
