Ambassador Maurício Lyrio, Secretary of Climate, Energy and Environment at Itamaraty and Brazil’s chief negotiator at COP30, stated that the “scenario for the conference is not very encouraging”.
In an exclusive interview with CNN Brazilhe highlighted that “two thirds of countries did not present NDCs” and that the “absence of goals from the great powers is a problem”.
NDCs — Nationally Determined Contributions — to reduce emissions and address the climate crisis. They should be updated by the end of this year, in accordance with the Paris Agreement, but most nations have not yet presented their new plans.
“Two-thirds of countries did not present NDCs,” said the ambassador. “The absence of goals from the great powers is a problem,” he stated. The diplomat also stated that the international scenario poses additional challenges to negotiations and warned of the effects of global inaction.
“If countries fail in negotiations, we will have new tragedies and devastation that affect the most vulnerable.”
Ongoing conflicts, such as wars in the Middle East and between Russia and Ukraine, have been occupying the attention of the main powers and absorbing financial resources that could be directed to climate commitments. Furthermore, industrial and commercial policies adopted by large economies, such as increased tariffs and domestic subsidies, have reduced the space for international cooperation.
Even in this context, Brazil is strengthening its position as a mediator between different blocs. “Brazil remains engaged, with a very clean energy matrix and a willingness to cooperate,” stated Lyrio.
Absence from the USA
In the interview, the chief negotiator also commented on the impact during the Donald Trump administration. “The United States’ withdrawal from the agreements has an important impact,” he said.
The diplomat added that the “absence of goals from the great powers is a problem”, which, added to the low number of NDCs presented, reinforces the scenario that he classified as “not very encouraging” for the conference.
COP30, which officially begins next week in Belém (PA), marks the beginning of the second cycle of commitments under the Paris Agreement and should focus debates on new mitigation targets, climate financing and adaptation to environmental disasters.
