Dear [Name],
Getting your head around COP isn't easy. It's fast-paced, full of political intrigue… and packed with jargon! On day 3 of the summit, we bring you the key developments so far.
In this newsletter (scroll down to read more):
Where? Belém, Brazil, the 'capital of the Amazon'
When? Mon 10 November to Fri 21 November
Who is COP president? André Corrêa do Lago, Secretary for Climate and Environment of Brazil's Ministry of External Affairs
AGENDA FIGHT AVERTED: The presidency managed to head off a widely expected 'agenda fight' on Monday, passing their draft agenda unamended. Brazil's so-called 'action agenda' aims to turn COP from negotiation to action – although with the US and China absent this year, the focus is on voluntary action by civil society, businesses, investors, cities, states and countries. One initiative is Brazil's voluntary 'Tropical Forests Forever Facility', which would raise money to protect vital forests like the Amazon – the UK opted out of this last week!
'ACTION AGENDA': The action agenda is organised around six themes (for example, 'transitioning energy, industry and transport'), with a total of 30 objectives underneath them (for example, 'tripling renewables and doubling energy efficiency'). Each objective will be driven by an 'activation group'. The themes cut across mitigation, adaptation, finance, technology, and capacity-building. Yes, it addled our brains too!
DISAGREEMENTS DEFERRED… FOR NOW: The presidency avoided a prolonged debate over the agenda by agreeing to consult on some of the eight new proposals between Monday and Wednesday, and announce the results of these consultations on Wednesday. The new items include topics like climate finance and boosting emissions reductions to achieve 1.5C. So a fudge to get talks underway… but can debates be postponed forever?
BELÉM, THE 'CAPITAL OF THE WORLD'? It's early days, and so far COP news has been dominated by political statements from the likes of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil. Lula said that Belem would become the 'capital of the world', and warned against the dangers of climate denialism – perhaps a not-too-subtle reference to anti-climate lobbying by the Trump administration.
THE LATEST: We are finalising this newsletter on Wednesday morning, and events are fast moving. A protest by Indigenous demonstrators made headlines today (discussed in more detail below), while several countries have announced climate plans – including Ukraine, which has published its latest nationally determined contributions (NDCs), as well as Mexico and South Korea. It is also rumoured that work has already begun on a 'cover note' – a political summary document published at the end of the conference – despite speculation that there may not be one this year.
ABSENT FRIENDS? Notably absent from COP30 is Donald Trump. American state leaders are filling the vacuum left by the US President – but the Trump administration is also organising intensive anti-climate lobbying efforts. Pointedly, COP30 President, André Corrêa do Lago, told reporters at the weekend that rich countries had lost interest in climate action, saying that Global South countries and China are leading the climate fight.
SWEET-TALKING CHINA: Although China's Xi Jinping is also absent from COP30, widely reported analysis by Carbon Brief found that China's CO2 emissions have been flat or falling for 18 months. The COP President's warm words may have been intended to keep Xi on side and spur China into further action.
REPRESENTATION MEANS RIGHTS: Brazil has promised that this year's conference will see the largest-ever representation of Indigenous voices. The Guardian published a colourful set of photos showing Indigenous leaders and forest defenders making their way to Belém by flotilla. But Indigenous representatives don't just want to be seen in publicity photos – they want their rights to be upheld and to have a role in designing climate policy. 'Land demarcation' is a major demand – to have sovereignty over Indigenous territories so local people can decide how their land is used.
WHO ISN'T THERE? Many Amazon people cannot be there at all. Latin American Bureau recently ran this story about Indigenous and Black women who are excluded from climate talks despite their position on the climate frontline. And on Tuesday, Indigenous activists were among those who broke into the COP30 venue during a protest, which speaks volumes about how well-represented Indigenous people really are inside the conference centre. One Indigenous demonstrator told reporters: 'We don't eat money, we want our territory free'. Activists have also pointed out that visibility isn't the same as being in the negotiating room. Speaking of which…
THE USUAL SUSPECTS: Over 1,700 fossil fuel lobbyists attended COP29 in Azerbaijan last year. And everyone's favourite oil majors are represented this year, with observer delegates listing funders including BP, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Shell and TotalEnergies. Meanwhile, some 1,200 observers chose not to disclose their funding. Big food lobbyists are also out in force this year, with DeSmog turning the spotlight on companies like Nestlé and Bayer, who are lobbying hard to stop regulations which protect nature and climate.
OILING THE WHEELS: Lobbyists use many tactics to influence talks. Believe it or not, lobbyists can register for 'overflow badges' as part of national delegations. This means they can sit in on negotiations and influence their countries' stance. Companies also wield soft power, shaping the wider conversation by sponsoring or appearing on panel events and running pavilions at the conference centre. You can read more about the way industry lobbying works in this post by Kick Big Polluters Out.
Can't get enough COP? We'll be back with a roundup and analysis of COP30 in early December, when we'll also be covering any climate announcements in the government's Autumn Budget.
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With very best wishes
Beccy, Ben, Jamie, Peter, Steve & William
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