The Countdown To 1.5 °C
- Emeri Wisotsky
- Nov 23
- 2 min read
UN Climate Summit 2025
From Nov. 10 to 21, 2025, world leaders, diplomats, negotiators and climate activists from nearly 200 countries gathered in Belém, Brazil, for the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30). Belém is a town located on the edge of the Amazon rainforest, and was chosen to be the site of this conference. This decision was made for two reasons, not only for its symbolic significance of the importance of nature, but also to highlight the critical role tropical forests play in steadying the global climate.
The summit brought together heads of states, government ministers and high profile figures, such as UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Prince William and UN climate chief Simon Steill. Delegates met to discuss pressing global issues, including climate finance, carbon pricing, forest conservation and measures to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, an international climate treaty saying that global warming should stay below 2 degrees celcius. COP30 aimed to move beyond promises, focusing on strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support vulnerable countries and protect ecosystems under threat.
One of the summit's central goals was to establish frameworks for international cooperation on forest preservation. Brazil proposed a global “Climate Coalition” to align carbon markets, enhance funding for sustainable development and ensure that tropical forests are recognized as a key mitigation tool. These discussions are especially urgent given the ongoing deforestation and environmental pressures on the Amazon, which is necessary for maintaining the world's biodiversity and climate sustainability.
Beyond formal policy negotiations, the COP30 also highlighted the social and economic angle of climate action. Indigenous communities and environmental organizations brought up how climate solutions must respect human rights and ensure equitable access to technology.
Despite the many goals set at COP30, global climate commitments remain uneven, and many national plans still fall short of what is needed to limit warming to 1.5 degrees celsius. Disagreements over funding, emissions cuts and adaptation strategies continue to slow progress. However, the summit is laying necessary groundwork for more action in the future.
By hosting COP30 near the Amazon, Brazil highlighted the high stakes of climate decisions. The conference also marked an important moment for tying in global action with the needs of more vulnerable ecosystems and communities. The outcomes from Belèm will still influence climate and policy, showing the importance of taking action.
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