The article outlines key focus areas for the UN climate conference in Belém, Brazil in November 2025. It emphasizes the importance of keeping global temperatures below 1.5 degrees Celsius, protecting the Amazon, addressing climate financing, clarifying legal obligations featuring the ICJ, and addressing plastic pollution. Each of these topics will play a vital role in the global response to the climate crisis.
In November 2025, Belém, Brazil, is set to host a pivotal UN climate conference, COP30, where global efforts will converge to address the climate crisis. The conference will focus on several critical issues, including plastic pollution and the transition to a sustainable economy. Key topics include maintaining the temperature goal of 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, protecting the Amazon rainforest, addressing financing needs, enforcing international climate law, and tackling plastic pollution on a global scale.
The phrase “Keep 1.5 alive” encapsulates the urgent need to prevent global temperatures from rising beyond 1.5 degrees Celsius. If insufficient action is taken, catastrophic impacts are anticipated, especially for vulnerable nations such as low-lying island states threatened by rising sea levels. At COP30, nations are expected to present more ambitious greenhouse gas reduction commitments, acknowledging that previous pledges are inadequate to achieve this critical goal.
The location of COP30 in the Amazon rainforest carries symbolic significance, drawing attention to the importance of nature in climate solutions. Rainforests serve as vital carbon sinks, which absorb CO2, thus mitigating global warming. Nevertheless, they are under threat from deforestation and human activities. In 2024, the UN started initiatives aimed at strengthening the conservation of rainforests and biodiversity, to be discussed further in February 2025.
Financing climate initiatives remains a contentious issue. Developing nations have urged wealthier countries to contribute significantly to projects facilitating their shift to clean energy. Conversely, wealthy countries argue that major economies like China must also contribute. A notable agreement from COP29 aimed to triple climate finance to developing nations, yet the $300 billion pledged by 2035 falls short of the estimated $1.3 trillion required.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has recently focused on climate change, responding to a request from Vanuatu to clarify States’ legal obligations concerning this matter. A significant number of nations participated in discussions at the ICJ, which is expected to provide an advisory opinion that, although non-binding, could shape future international climate legislation.
At the same time, international discussions aimed at addressing plastic pollution are progressing. Recent negotiations in South Korea have advanced towards establishing a legally binding framework to combat global plastic waste, particularly in marine environments. The upcoming sessions are crucial for finalizing agreements on sustainable production, financing, and comprehensive strategies against plastic pollution. “It is clear that the world still wants and demands an end to plastic pollution,” stated UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen.
In conclusion, the upcoming COP30 conference in Belém will be significant for global climate action as it tackles crucial issues such as maintaining temperature goals, protecting ecosystems, ensuring financial support for transitions to clean energy, establishing international legal standards for climate responsibility, and combating plastic pollution. The progress made in these areas will be instrumental in shaping a sustainable and resilient future.
Original Source: news.un.org
