What to Expect from COP30: The 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Belem, Brazil
- Rachel
- Jul 4
- 5 min read
The 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) will take place from 10 to 21 November 2025 in Belem, in the state of Pará, Brazil. Organised under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), COP30 will bring together representatives from over 190 countries, including heads of state, government officials, scientists, business leaders, non-governmental organisations, and civil society actors. The conference aims to assess progress on global climate commitments and negotiate future actions to address climate change, with a focus on emission reductions, climate finance, adaptation strategies, and environmental preservation.
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COP30 Dates and Location
The 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference, known as COP30, is scheduled to take place from Monday 10 November to Friday 21 November 2025. The host city is Belem, located in the state of Pará in northern Brazil. This marks the first time that a COP will be held in the Amazon region.
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COP30 Key Themes and Global Agenda
COP30 will continue negotiations stemming from the Paris Agreement signed at COP21. The six selected central topics include:
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
Adapting to climate change
Mobilising climate finance for developing countries
Advancing renewable energy and low-carbon technologies
Preserving forests and biodiversity
Addressing social dimensions through climate justice
These themes will be discussed in the context of both past commitments and future action, with particular attention to the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
COP30 in the Amazon: Geographic Significance
The Brazilian government, including President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, views hosting COP30 in Belém as an opportunity to bring global climate discussions into the heart of the Amazon. This setting is intended to allow for direct engagement with Indigenous peoples, traditional communities, and local stakeholders. The government aims to highlight national efforts in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and environmental protection.
National Representation at COP30
COP30 will be presented not just as an event hosted by Brazil, but as a platform that reflects the diversity of the country. This includes participation from Indigenous peoples, Afro-Brazilian Quilombola communities, representatives from all five national regions, and a wide range of civil society actors. The conference will serve as a platform for both international diplomacy and domestic engagement.
Brazil’s Role and Preparations for COP30
Brazil has created the Secretaria Extraordinária para a COP30 (SECOP), a special secretariat established in March 2024, reporting to the Office of the Chief of Staff. Its role is to coordinate federal, state, and municipal activities linked to the event. As of mid-2025, nearly BRL 5 billion has been invested in infrastructure in Belém through funding from BNDES, Itaipu, and the national budget.
COP30 Finance and the Baku to Belém Roadmap
A key initiative shaping COP30 is the "Baku to Belém Roadmap" on climate finance. The roadmap was introduced by Brazil at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) session in Bonn, Germany, in June 2025. Ambassador Tatiana Rosito presented the roadmap, which aims to guide mobilisation of USD 1.3 trillion by 2035 for climate action in developing nations.
This proposal is supported by the COP30 Finance Ministers' Circle, currently involving 32 countries. Its framework includes:
Reforming multilateral development banks to increase concessional lending
Linking local projects with global investors through country platforms
Introducing regulatory mechanisms such as carbon pricing
Enhancing financial oversight by central banks
The final version of the roadmap will be released at the annual meeting in October 2025 and will play a key role in shaping COP30 negotiations.
COP30 Participation and Attendance
Estimates by the Fundação Getúlio Vargas project that more than 40,000 people will participate in COP30, including approximately 7,000 individuals from the "COP family." This group consists of staff from the United Nations and delegations from over 190 countries.
The event will include heads of state, ministers, UN representatives, diplomats, scientists, business leaders, non-governmental organisations, activists, and civil society participants.
How to attend COP30 in Belem
To attend COP30 in Belém in November 2025, individuals can participate through several official pathways. Volunteers can apply via the COP30 Volunteer Programme, requiring applicants to be over 18, live in the Belém Metropolitan Region, and have at least B2-level English proficiency.
The Capacita COP30 programme offers free courses for civil servants, educators, journalists, and the general public, with registration available.
Representatives of organisations and media must apply for credentials through their affiliated institutions, following the procedures established by the UNFCCC.
Public events and debates will also be held during the conference, allowing broader participation. Those interested in showcasing environmental or educational initiatives in the Blue Zone must submit an expression of interest via an online form by 2 July 2025.
COP30 Communications and Public Access
COP30 sessions will be broadcast live through digital platforms, television channels, and the event’s official media outlets. Updates will also be available via federal government communication channels and social media. These broadcasts aim to ensure transparency and allow global public engagement with the conference outcomes.
COP30 Security and Logistics
Security planning for COP30 is based on Brazil's existing model used for previous global events such as the FIFA World Cup, the Olympic Games, and the G20. Coordination involves federal, state, and municipal authorities. The presence of over 140 heads of state and tens of thousands of participants has led to an integrated approach involving around 20,000 security agents.
The geographic layout of Belém, which includes riverine transportation routes, presents unique logistical challenges. Security operations will incorporate aerial surveillance, waterway patrols, and cybersecurity measures.
Key logistical elements include:
Dedicated bus hubs for COP30 delegates
Infrastructure upgrades in the Outeiro region, including the use of ships for event operations
A mobility plan tailored to COP30, designed to minimise disruption for residents
The overarching goal is to ensure the safety of all participants while maintaining the functioning of the city and respecting civil rights.
Controversies around COP30
COP conferences have faced ongoing criticism related to the gap between negotiations and effective climate action. Common concerns include the influence of fossil fuel lobbyists, limited enforcement mechanisms for emissions targets, and insufficient funding commitments from developed countries to support climate adaptation and mitigation in the Global South. Participation barriers for Indigenous groups and civil society organisations from low-income countries have also been raised.
Regarding COP30 in Belém, specific concerns include infrastructure readiness in the Amazon region, the risk of environmental degradation caused by large-scale construction, and the potential for displacement of local communities. Environmental groups have also pointed to the contradiction between hosting the event in the Amazon while deforestation continues. Additionally, logistical challenges due to Belem’s geographic location and transportation infrastructure have prompted debate about accessibility and the environmental cost of travel to the remote host city.
COP30 as a Milestone in Global Climate Action
COP30 will mark a key moment in the international climate agenda. With its location in the Amazon and its leadership in the climate finance roadmap, Brazil is positioned to influence global policy in areas such as climate finance, renewable energy, and forest conservation. The outcomes of the conference will be closely watched as the world assesses progress toward climate goals and prepares for implementation beyond 2025.
More resources for planning your trip
Find cheap bus, ferry, and private transfer tickets on Bookaway, where you can make reservations ahead of time from abroad. For more information on traveling by bus, read my full guide to taking long-distance busses in Brazil.
Book your accommodation on Booking.com, with thousands of options ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly backpacker hostels, there's something for everyone
Don't forget to read my packing check-list for Brazil
Finally, read this post to find out 10 things you should do before you travel to Brazil!
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