Since 1995, the Conferences of the Parties (COP) have brought together annually in different cities the signatory countries of the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, along with non-governmental actors such as NGOs, businesses, and citizens. These summits are the only multilateral forum where nearly all nations work together to make decisions on climate change. By addressing environmental, economic, social, and diplomatic issues, they seek concrete solutions to limit the impact of human activity on the climate.
COP29, held in Baku from November 11 to 22, 2024, aimed to set ambitious goals covering the entire economy while making them attractive to investors, ensuring an energy transition aligned with the 1.5°C global warming limit. However, the results were mixed, leaving the sense that “better could have been done.”
One of the main agreements reached was the commitment of the 197 participating countries for developed nations to allocate $300 billion annually until 2035 to support the transition of developing countries. However, this figure represents almost half of the amount initially requested. Regarding the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the balance was even more discouraging: no consensus was reached to reaffirm the COP28 commitment on a “transition away from fossil fuels.” The lack of progress was partly due to inflexible stances, persistent blockages, and questioning of the Azerbaijani presidency of the event.
Despite these obstacles, significant progress was made. Mexico, the last G20 country to commit, finally set the goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2050. This is a crucial step for a country that is among the 12 largest emitters of greenhouse gases and has yet to reach its peak emissions.
COP30, scheduled for 2025 in Belém (Brazil), will be presided over by diplomat André Corrêa do Lago, appointed by Brazilian President Lula da Silva. This event will mark a key stage in the fight against climate change. In a context of increasing challenges, COP30 will be crucial for strengthening global commitments and accelerating climate action. In Belém, the main challenges will include reassessing emissions reduction commitments within the framework of the Paris Agreement, which will celebrate its tenth anniversary. Efforts will also aim to mobilize more financial resources to help countries in the Global South address the effects of climate change and address the potential withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Agreement in January 2026.
For Brazil, COP30 represents a unique opportunity to organize climate debates in the heart of the Amazon, the world’s largest rainforest, and to “leave a legacy to the forest.” According to the governor of Pará state, Hélder Barbalho, the intention is for this COP to be the “COP of implementation,” a space where large-scale climate actions are put into practice.
In this context, the role of the private sector is also crucial. iFood, one of the leading technological platforms in Latin America, combines innovation and sustainability in its operations. Carbon neutral since 2021, the company has moved from offsetting emissions through carbon credits to directly reducing them. Among its initiatives are deliveries with carbon-neutral drones and motorcycles, which not only reduce the carbon footprint but also lower delivery costs. Thanks to these strategies, iFood has avoided emitting 25,000 tons of CO₂.
Beyond climate change mitigation and carbon markets, the real challenge is to build a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future. The Latin American experience shows that governments, businesses, and communities can join forces to make COP30 a true lever for global change.
References:
Uchoa, P. (2025, January 22). Cómo gobiernos, empresas y sociedad civil allanan el camino hacia la COP30 en América Latina. Foro Económico Mundial. Retrieved from https://es.weforum.org/stories/2025/01/como-gobiernos-empresas-y-sociedad-civil-allanan-el-camino-hacia-la-cop30-en-america-latina/
Monsalve S., M. M. (2025, March 3). Los indígenas quieren copresidir la COP30: ¿Los tendrá en cuenta la primera cumbre climática amazónica? El País. Retrieved from https://elpais.com/america-futura/2025-03-03/los-indigenas-quieren-copresidir-la-cop30-los-tendra-en-cuenta-la-primera-cumbre-climatica-amazonica.html
Liberation. (2024, November 24). COP29: tres buenas noticias para consolarse de un acuerdo con sabor amargo. Liberation. Retrieved from https://www.liberation.fr/environnement/climat/cop29-trois-bonnes-nouvelles-pour-se-consoler-dun-accord-au-gout-amer-20241124_G6K33EB6QRHNNBPEMXUGUNURYM/
Moutot, M. (2025, February 6). Climat : le Brésil sous pression pour réussir la COP30 et sauver l’accord de Paris. Le Monde. Retrieved from https://www.lemonde.fr/planete/article/2025/02/06/climat-le-bresil-sous-pression-pour-reussir-la-cop30-et-sauver-l-accord-de-paris_6533846_3244.html
