(Brazil, 16th) The 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference has passed its halfway point, with thousands of climate protesters peacefully marching in host city Belém, demanding more action to protect the fate of the Earth and expressing anger at governments and the fossil fuel industry.
According to Reuters, the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) aims to turn years of climate promises into real action, curb global temperature rise, and provide support for groups most affected by climate warming. On Saturday (November 15), thousands of protesters—including indigenous people, youth activists, and civic groups—gathered in Belém, singing, dancing, playing musical instruments, and waving protest slogans under the midday heat.
Belém is a tropical city with high humidity. Data from Brazil’s National Institute for Meteorological Research showed the apparent temperature approached 35°C.
Environment Minister Marina Silva told the crowd that COP30 "must achieve a transformation away from deforestation and fossil fuels."
Indigenous activist Cristiane Puyanawa said: "Our land and forests are not commodities. Please respect nature and those who live in the forest."
Environment Minister Marina Silva told the crowd that COP30 "must achieve a transformation away from deforestation and fossil fuels."
Indigenous activist Cristiane Puyanawa said: "Our land and forests are not commodities. Please respect nature and those who live in the forest."
During COP30, several protests have already taken place. On Tuesday (the 11th), an altercation with security arose when indigenous people tried to forcibly enter the venue, drawing huge attention.
The route of Saturday's march did not pass directly by the venue, but a large security presence was still deployed, including riot police in full gear.
COP30 negotiations are about to enter the political phase. After delegates reported progress at a plenary meeting that day, work was handed over to national ministers to tackle the remaining political obstacles.
The outcome of this year's summit remains uncertain. Some of the most contentious issues are being discussed through informal channels, including boosting climate funding, breaking free from fossil fuel dependence, and closing the collective gap in countries' emissions reduction plans.
Belém is a tropical city with high humidity. Data from Brazil’s National Institute for Meteorological Research showed the apparent temperature approached 35°C.
Environment Minister Marina Silva told the crowd that COP30 "must achieve a transformation away from deforestation and fossil fuels."
Indigenous activist Cristiane Puyanawa said: "Our land and forests are not commodities. Please respect nature and those who live in the forest."
Environment Minister Marina Silva told the crowd that COP30 "must achieve a transformation away from deforestation and fossil fuels."
Indigenous activist Cristiane Puyanawa said: "Our land and forests are not commodities. Please respect nature and those who live in the forest."
During COP30, several protests have already taken place. On Tuesday (the 11th), an altercation with security arose when indigenous people tried to forcibly enter the venue, drawing huge attention.
The route of Saturday's march did not pass directly by the venue, but a large security presence was still deployed, including riot police in full gear.
COP30 negotiations are about to enter the political phase. After delegates reported progress at a plenary meeting that day, work was handed over to national ministers to tackle the remaining political obstacles.
The outcome of this year's summit remains uncertain. Some of the most contentious issues are being discussed through informal channels, including boosting climate funding, breaking free from fossil fuel dependence, and closing the collective gap in countries' emissions reduction plans.