Periphery Groups Send Climate Letter to COP30CEFR A2
14 Nov 2025
Adapted from Liam Anderson, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Bradley Andrews, Unsplash
A group of activists from peripheral neighbourhoods of São Paulo prepared a document to present at COP30 in Belém, which runs from November 10 to 21, 2025. The document is titled “Letter from the Peripheries on Commitments for the Climate – The Atmosphere is Tense!” and contains about 30 proposals. It is signed by 50 collectives and 1,000 community leaders.
The proposals address waste management, environmental education, decent housing, a solidarity economy and basic sanitation. Some specific suggestions include not expanding landfills in poorer neighbourhoods, creating a green currency for recycling, and holding polluters and public authorities accountable. The letter also lists community actions like cleaning streams, community gardens, stronger recycling cooperatives and rainwater collection networks.
The Peripheral Front for Rights organized the letter. The front grew from social movements that worked during the COVID-19 pandemic to distribute food, hygiene kits and masks. Coordinator Edson Pardinho, 50, lives in Franco da Rocha.
Difficult words
- activist — A person who fights for change.activists
- propose — To suggest an idea or plan.proposals
- environment — The natural world around us.environment.
- recycle — To process used materials for reuse.recycling
- justice — Fair treatment or behavior.
- education — The process of learning and teaching.
- climate — The long-term weather conditions in a place.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why is it important to involve community voices in environmental decisions?
- How can education improve environmental awareness?
- What are some other ways to fight climate change in your community?
Related articles
Forest loss in tropics raises local heat and deaths
A study using satellite data found that tropical deforestation from 2001–2020 exposed 345 million people to local warming and likely caused about 28,000 heat-related deaths per year, mainly in Africa, Southeast Asia and Latin America.
Traffic and Pollution in Asian Cities
Traffic congestion in many Asian cities raises pollution, lowers living standards and costs economies money. Cities such as Delhi, Bangkok and Metro Manila are expanding metros, switching to electric vehicles and using pricing and technology to reduce traffic.
Vitamin C may protect reproductive health from potassium perchlorate
A study using Japanese rice fish (medaka) found that potassium perchlorate damaged testes and reduced fertility. Fish given vitamin C alongside the chemical showed better fertility and less testicular harm, suggesting vitamin C may help protect reproductive health.