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?
