COP30 in Brazil: Five Key Issues That Could Shape the Planet’s Climate Future

The COP30 climate summit has commenced in Belém, Brazil, marking a critical moment for global environmental discussions. This year's conference faces challenges such as unresolved disputes over climate finance, rainforest protection, and progress on Paris Agreement commitments.

Negotiations have been strained, with many countries yet to submit updated climate plans and disagreements about who should bear the costs of climate action. Preliminary talks held in June ended with few definitive outcomes, and many documents remain marked as “not agreed” or “open to revision.”

This year’s talks are especially contentious as key participants have not presented new climate commitments, and finance debates stall progress.

Key Issue 1: Submission of National Climate Plans

Ten years following the Paris Agreement, nations are expected to deliver their third round of nationally determined contributions (NDCs), which outline their best efforts to combat climate change. These plans are updated every five years to reflect increased ambition.

As of November 2025, only 79 countries covering 64% of global emissions have submitted their NDCs. Notably, some top emitters such as India have yet to submit, while the United States, having withdrawn again from the Paris Agreement, will not send high-level representatives to COP30.

Summary

COP30 highlights ongoing difficulties in securing unified climate commitments, with significant emitters absent from key responsibilities and financial disagreements impeding progress.

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BOOM — 2025-11-12