Understanding COP30: The Crucial Climate Summit in Belém, Brazil

Fri Oct 31 2025 09:39:52 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As world leaders prepare for COP30, the significance and implications of this year's climate conference come into sharp focus, especially with the backdrop of global warming challenges.

COP30, the 30th annual UN climate meeting, is set to take place in Belém, Brazil, from November 10-21, 2025. This year's summit marks a critical juncture for climate action, as nations grapple with commitments made under the Paris Agreement. With logistical challenges and political tensions shaping the agenda, COP30 could redefine global climate strategies amidst escalating environmental crises.

What is COP30 and why does it matter?

World leaders will soon gather for their annual meeting on how to tackle climate change.

COP30 is taking place ten years after the Paris climate agreement, in which countries pledged to try to restrict the rise in global temperatures to 1.5C.

What is COP30 and what does it stand for?

COP30 is the 30th annual UN climate meeting, where governments discuss how to limit and prepare for further climate change.

COP stands for Conference of the Parties. Parties refers to the nearly 200 countries that signed up to the original UN climate agreement in 1992.

When is COP30?

COP30 officially runs from Monday 10 November to Friday 21 November.

World leaders will gather before the summit opens on Thursday 6 November and Friday 7 November.

The conference often overruns as a result of last-minute negotiations to secure a deal which is acceptable to all the participants.

Where is COP30 taking place?

The conference is being held in Brazil for the first time, in Belém in the Amazon rainforest.

The host nation is officially chosen by the participating countries after a nomination from the host region, which tends to rotate - similar to the way that the Fifa World Cup and the Olympic Games tend to jump between continents.

But the choice of Belém has caused significant logistical challenges, due to its poor transport links and lack of affordable hotels.

Some delegations have struggled to secure accommodation, leading to concerns that poorer nations could be priced out.

The decision to clear a section of Amazon rainforest to build a road, which will be used for the summit, has also proved controversial.

Brazil has also continued to grant new oil and gas licences in the run up to COP30.

Who is going to COP30 – and who isn't?

Representatives are expected from countries around the globe, but many world leaders are yet to confirm their attendance.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will be there, as will Prince William, who will be there on behalf of King Charles.

It is unclear what form the US delegation will take. Shortly after his inauguration in January 2025, President Trump vowed to withdraw from the Paris agreement which underpins the international commitment to tackle climate change.

China, the world's biggest emitter of planet-warming gases, is expected to send a delegation, but President Xi Jinping is not likely to be there.

Why is COP30 important?

COP30 is taking place at a crucial moment with global climate targets under significant strain.

In Paris in 2015, nearly 200 countries agreed to try to limit global temperature rises to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels of the late 1800s.

What will be discussed at COP30?

As well as countries' new carbon-cutting plans, several areas could come up for discussion, including the transition from fossil fuels and funding for developing countries to combat climate change.