UN conference in November aims to transform negotiations into concrete actions to accelerate global climate response, says Ambassador André Corrêa do Lago
01/22/2025
Ambassador André Corrêa do Lago takes the helm of the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference, COP30, set to take place in Belém this November, as the world surpasses the critical 1.5°C global warming threshold. At the same time, the United States withdraws from the Paris Agreement under President Donald Trump’s directive. “We cannot give up,” Mr. Corrêa do Lago told Valor in an interview.
As Brazil’s Secretary for Climate, Energy, and Environment, he described Mr. Trump’s decision as “a significant shift in the stance of the American government and certain economic sectors,” but noted that the U.S. is a country with many facets, “ranging from the federal government to science, business, universities, and subnational governments (…). We are still studying how we can constructively engage with these various dimensions.”
Mr. Corrêa do Lago emphasized that “the COP is not just about negotiating documents but serves as a tool to achieve tangible results.” He stressed the need to accelerate the transformation of past negotiations into “real actions that impact countries, people, and economies.”
Here are excerpts from the interview:
Valor: What are your expectations regarding the United States’ role in climate action under President Trump, following the U.S. exit from the Paris Agreement?
André Corrêa do Lago: The U.S., like Brazil, represents multiple realities, from the federal government to science, business, universities, and subnational governments. What we see today is a significant shift in the stance of the American government and certain economic sectors within the U.S. We are still studying how we can constructively engage with these various dimensions of the United States to combat climate change effectively.
Valor: COP30 takes place as the global average temperature surpasses 1.5°C. How do you view this immense challenge?
Mr. Corrêa do Lago: The 1.5°C threshold is one of the key benchmarks of the Paris Agreement, which also aims to keep temperatures well below 2°C and, if possible, at 1.5°C. This is a long-term projection. The recent news that this threshold was exceeded in 2024 is deeply concerning. However, this information can be interpreted in different ways. Unfortunately, some might say, “We’ve already crossed 1.5°C, let’s give up.” We cannot give up.
Science makes it increasingly clear that once we surpass 1.5°C, climate threats become ever more tangible. We saw this in 2024, as millions of Brazilians directly experienced the consequences of climate change. Reaching 1.5°C only underscores that the urgency of climate action is even greater than previously thought and that we must act faster.
Valor: The multilateral system is under scrutiny. What role does COP30 play in this context?
Mr. Corrêa do Lago: I believe even the harshest critics of COPs recognize that, from a negotiation standpoint, these conferences have achieved positive decisions, texts, principles, and initiatives. However, we must acknowledge that the implementation of what has been negotiated has not advanced at the pace required by the urgency of the climate crisis.
We are convinced that COP30 must accelerate the translation of all negotiated agreements into real actions that directly impact countries, people, and economies. COP30 should be viewed as a tool to correct course and restore public confidence that COPs are not just about negotiating documents but serve as a tool to achieve tangible results.
Valor: What might be the central theme of COP30?
Mr. Corrêa do Lago: There are themes predetermined by the negotiation process. Brazil has a mandate in the financial area and must address issues related to adaptation, technology, and a just transition. All these topics are already on the agenda.
Beyond the negotiations, there’s an opportunity to launch various initiatives within the action agenda. In this context, the topic of forests is unavoidable. Hosting COP30 in Belém brings a focus on forests, which have often been viewed negatively due to deforestation and wildfires. However, forests can play an extraordinarily positive role—not only through their preservation and efforts to curb deforestation but also through restoration. Presenting forests as a positive factor in combating climate change is a key goal.
Valor: In Baku, it was established that COP30 will negotiate the Baku-Belém roadmap for $1.3 trillion in climate financing by 2035. How do you envision structuring this roadmap?
Mr. Corrêa do Lago: We will work with the Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank, and multilateral organizations. This effort has already begun through the Climate Task Force at the G20. We will continue this work because transitioning to $1.3 trillion is an immense challenge.
We need to engage with leading economists, integrate climate considerations into the global economy, and determine how financial resources can be mobilized more quickly and efficiently. Speed is a priority.
Valor: What will your strategy be? Will you travel and engage with key stakeholders?
Mr. Corrêa do Lago: The COP president has an intense pre-set agenda, as they are expected to attend the top annual meetings worldwide, such as the G7, the BRICS summit, and the African Group. These international gatherings bring together key authorities and provide opportunities to deliver strong messages.
Additionally, we need to visit key countries to prepare negotiations well in advance. Brazil does not engage in diplomacy by surprise. We have a diplomacy rooted in the outcomes of long negotiations and great respect for our counterparts. This will also require a significant number of trips.
We are also planning to establish advisory councils—a scientific council, a financial council, and a just transition council. These groups will include national and global special envoys, allowing us to draw on expertise across various areas. Over the next several months, we aim to listen to their expectations and gather insights on what all these stakeholders consider achievable outcomes for COP30.
Valor: Why is there so much anticipation for a COP hosted by Brazil?
Mr. Corrêa do Lago: Part of it stems from Itamaraty’s diplomatic tradition in this area. Brazil’s Foreign Ministry has played a positive role in negotiating several major international agreements, which creates expectations for strong results.
Another key element is President Lula, who has been a particularly important figure, as he is one of the leaders who strongly believes in multilateralism, science, social justice, and poverty reduction—all of which are central issues in the climate change debate.
In some wealthy nations, efforts to combat climate change, such as transitioning to renewable energy, have led to higher electricity bills, eroding public support as these measures are perceived negatively. The president is keen for us to emphasize the importance of a just transition and climate justice.
Climate change is already significantly impacting transportation, cities, energy, and agriculture. We must engage in broad discussions with various sectors, including the private sector, to address these challenges comprehensively.
Valor: What are the biggest challenges in combating the climate crisis?
Mr. Corrêa do Lago: The first concern is raising awareness of the urgency. Science tells us we have very little time. Preferably, according to the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), we have until the end of the decade to implement high-impact initiatives.
The second dimension is financing. I believe it’s too narrow a view to think that climate financing should be restricted to specific climate funds. Climate issues need to become a natural part of all financial flows, investments, and government programs.
In this regard, Brazil has set an example with the commitment from the Ministry of Finance. Through the Ecological Transformation Plan, the ministry is already developing policies, in coordination with the government, to guide Brazil toward a modern economy. This is an economy where certain decisions could position Brazil with significant comparative advantages.
Valor: Is this why COP30 is being referred to as the turning-point COP?
Mr. Corrêa do Lago: Partly, yes. But COPs have traditionally focused heavily on negotiations. We are convinced that, for this agenda to gain broader support and convince more people, we need to demonstrate action—tangible, positive results that impact the economy and the lives of the most vulnerable populations. This won’t be a COP like previous ones.
Valor: How will Brazil ensure all societal voices are heard?
Mr. Corrêa do Lago: We will listen extensively and learn a lot. We are considering forming councils representing youth, businesses, science, and finance. Among the last four COPs, Brazil stands out as the country with the most dynamic civil society. President Lula wants civil society to play a central role in this COP.
*By Daniela Chiaretti — São Paulo
(Fabio Murakawa in Brasília contributed reporting.)
Source: Valor International