BS EDIT: Belem’s Obstacle Course

By Business StandardPublished On Nov 10, 2025

Missing Heavyweights

The US and China skipped COP30 in Belem. India’s representation was limited to the Environment Minister, signalling low political engagement

Forest Fund Doubts

The $125 bn Tropical Forest Forever Facility aims for 80% private funding, but weak investor interest clouds its feasibility

Irony in Action

A section of the Amazon was cleared to build a summit road, even as Brazil’s oil and gas licences fuel scepticism about climate intent

Weak National Pledges

Only a third of nations submitted updated emission plans. Without new commitments, the 1.5°C target looks increasingly unrealistic

Unmet Past Promises

COP30 revisits old goals—phasing down fossil fuels and tripling renewables by 2030—targets that remain far from reach

Finance Still the Missing Link

The $1.3 tn annual climate finance goal is distant. Private exits and fading commitment to “common but differentiated responsibility” worsen the gap