What is the COP30 climate summit, and why does it matter this year?

World leaders are meeting in Brazil's Amazon city of Belem for COP30, the 30th UN climate summit, to discuss how to curb global warming and act on past promises to cut fossil fuel use

Every year, the United Nations climate summit draws attention to global efforts to prevent environmental disaster. This year, the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) begins on November 10 in Belem, a city in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest, and will continue until November 21, 2025.

 

The summit marks a milestone -- three decades of global climate negotiations since the first UN climate treaty was signed.

What is COP?

 

COP stands for Conference of the Parties, referring to the countries that signed the 1992 UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The treaty committed nations to work collectively against global warming and recognised that some countries bear greater responsibility for historical emissions.

 

 

The principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities” was established under this framework. It means that while all nations must act, developed nations should lead in reducing emissions and funding climate solutions.

 

Each year, the rotating presidency sets the agenda, coordinates pre-summit discussions and hosts the two-week meeting. The presidency also helps unite nations, civil society and the private sector in shaping collective climate goals.

 

Over time, COP gatherings have become not just environmental summits but major geopolitical and financial platforms, where nations and corporations discuss policies, investments, and accountability.  

Why COP30 matters this year

 

COP30 is being described as a “full-circle moment” for Brazil. The country hosted the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, where the UNFCCC was first adopted. Now, more than three decades later, Brazil is hosting the event again -- this time emphasising inclusion and indigenous participation.

 

Brazil’s government has urged nations to focus on delivering past promises, including commitments made at COP28 to phase out fossil fuels, rather than making new, unfulfilled pledges.

 

For the first time, COP30 will also acknowledge that the world has missed its earlier target of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

 

By choosing Belem, a gateway to the Amazon, Brazil aims to spotlight the critical role of rainforests in stabilising the global climate. The location underscores the ongoing threats from deforestation, mining, agriculture and fossil fuel extraction.  ALSO READ | India calls on COP30 to focus on lack of funds for developing nations

Who are the key players?

 

Nearly every nation will send representatives, often aligning with regional or economic groups.

 

• Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) will speak for countries facing existential risks from rising sea levels.

•  The G77+China bloc and the Africa Group will advocate for developing nations’ interests.

• The BASIC group, Brazil, South Africa, India and China, will push for equitable climate action.

 

Meanwhile, the United States, after signalling a withdrawal from the Paris Agreement earlier this year, has stepped back from its traditional leadership role. In its place, China and Brazil are emerging as influential voices in global climate diplomacy.  ALSO READ | Datanomics: As COP30 nears, why India is set to miss 2030 emission target

What happens during the two weeks?

 

The COP summit is known for its intensity. The event site becomes a hub of global activity -- from policy discussions to protests, media campaigns and lobbying by corporations and climate groups.

 

This year, Brazil has separated some of the usual pre-summit side events:

 

• Financiers will meet in Sao Paulo,

• Local leaders will gather in Rio de Janeiro

• World leaders will convene in Belém for the main negotiations

 

During the first week, negotiators outline their priorities and explore potential alliances. Various governments and companies also announce funding pledges and climate action plans. In the second week, ministers and senior officials arrive to settle disputes, negotiate final decisions and agree on technical and legal frameworks.  ALSO READ | The obstacle course at Belem: COP30 agenda faces multiple headwinds

The challenges of reaching consensus

 

Despite the optimism, COP negotiations are rarely straightforward. Countries often push for deals that serve their national interests, leading to tense standoffs and prolonged debates.

 

As deadlines approach, talks frequently continue late into the night as negotiators try to reach last-minute compromises.

 

Decisions are approved by consensus, meaning all parties must agree, even if reluctantly. As a result, the official closing, marked by the strike of a gavel, often gets delayed, sometimes by several days.

 

(With agency inputs)