Indigenous rights and knowledge at COP30 in BelémCEFR A1
26 Nov 2025
Adapted from Liam Anderson, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Daniel Granja, Unsplash
- COP30 took place in Belém, Pará, in 2025.
- The conference was from November 10 to 21.
- Sineia Do Vale spoke at a Blue Zone debate.
- She is a climate scientist and Indigenous leader.
- She said secure Indigenous land rights is first step.
- She said combine traditional knowledge with scientific research.
- Roraima had severe fires in 2024 that affected 80 percent.
- Inpe found 1,692 fire outbreaks in February 2024.
- People need funding to pay and support Indigenous work.
Difficult words
- climate — The weather conditions in a place over time.
- scientist — A person who studies the world with facts.
- Indigenous — People who are original to a place.
- predict — To say what will happen in the future.
- knowledge — Information and skills gained by learning.
- protect — To keep safe from harm or danger.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why is Indigenous knowledge important?
- What do you think climate scientists do?
- How can we help the environment?
Related articles
Wastewater surveillance reveals antibiotic resistance across Indian cities
A study of sewage from four Indian cities found many antibiotic resistance genes and similar resistance patterns. The 2025 National Action Plan and experts promote wider wastewater surveillance, but critics warn of weak implementation.
Periphery Groups Send Climate Letter to COP30
Activists from São Paulo peripheries prepared a letter of about 30 proposals to present at COP30 in Belém, November 10–21, 2025. The letter is signed by 50 collectives and 1,000 community leaders and asks for housing, waste and sanitation changes.
Small-scale irrigation as rain becomes unreliable
Climate change is making rainfall less reliable, so expanding irrigation is essential. Small-scale and solar-powered systems can help millions of smallholder farmers grow crops year‑round, but wider expansion needs large investment and better management.