COP30 closed in Belém on 22 November with a large finance package but without firm fossil fuel commitments. Delegates agreed to mobilise US$1.3 trillion a year by 2035. The package also pledges to double adaptation finance by 2025 and to triple it by 2035, and it calls to operationalise the loss and damage fund. Two new tools, the Global Implementation Accelerator and the Belém Mission to 1.5°C, aim to improve delivery of climate goals.
The summit was briefly disrupted when a fire on 20 November forced evacuations and led to some people being treated for smoke inhalation. On fossil fuels, more than 80 countries supported Brazil’s proposal for a global roadmap, but the final text reverted to COP28 “UAE Consensus” language asking for “transitioning away from fossil fuels” without timelines. Observers say talks will continue through an independent process before COP31 amid deep geopolitical rifts.
UN reports show the scale of the challenge: full implementation of current national plans would still lead to about 2.3–2.5°C of warming, and current policies point to 2.8°C. Adaptation needs are large: vulnerable countries may need up to US$365 billion a year by 2035, while international public adaptation finance was only US$26 billion in 2023.
Difficult words
- finance — Money for support or investments.financial
- adaptation — Changes made to adjust to new conditions.adaptation strategies
- challenge — Difficult problems or tasks to overcome.challenges
- support — Help or assistance provided to someone.
- ecosystem — A community of living things and their environment.ecosystems
- resource — Materials or assets used for support.resources
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What are your thoughts on the urgency of climate action?
- How do you think developing economies can better adapt to climate change?
- What role do local communities play in climate action?
- Why do you think fossil fuel discussions are challenging?
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