Periphery Groups Send Climate Letter to COP30CEFR B1
14 Nov 2025
Adapted from Liam Anderson, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Bradley Andrews, Unsplash
Activists from São Paulo peripheries mobilized in the months before COP30 to discuss climate goals and to draft a collective document. The letter, titled “Letter from the Peripheries on Commitments for the Climate – The Atmosphere is Tense!”, contains about 30 proposals and is signed by 50 collectives and 1,000 community leaders. The group will present the document at COP30 in Belém on November 10–21, 2025.
The proposals cover waste management, environmental education, decent housing, a solidarity economy and basic sanitation. They include specific measures such as not expanding landfills in poorer neighbourhoods, creating a green currency for recycling, and holding polluters and public authorities accountable. The letter also recommends community actions like cleaning streams, community reforestation, vegetable gardens, stronger recycling cooperatives, rainwater collection and local adaptation plans led by communities.
The Peripheral Front for Rights organized the letter after social movements worked together during COVID-19 to distribute food and hygiene kits. Coordinator Edson Pardinho, 50, lives in Dom Tomás Balduíno Settlement in Franco da Rocha. Clair Helena Santos, 67, a housing movement coordinator, was selected to attend COP30 and the letter asks for an end to evictions and violent practices against settlements and favelas.
Difficult words
- activist — A person who advocates for change.Activists
- proposal — A plan or suggestion put forward.proposals
- environmental — Related to the natural world.
- justice — Fair treatment and rights for all.
- sustainable — Able to be maintained without harm.
- community — A group of people living together.communities
- change — The act of becoming different.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How can community involvement improve climate action?
- What are some challenges marginalized groups face?
- In what ways can activists influence public policy?
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