Cop30 live: Scientists warn countries must act decisively to protect people and life or risk ‘suffering for billions’ – as it happened
As the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) unfolds in Brazil, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is striving to bridge divides among negotiating countries while planetary scientists urgently emphasize the need for significant emissions reductions. Amidst this critical dialogue, the voices of indigenous leaders and activists are rising, highlighting the intersection of environmental stewardship and civil rights. Nazaré Oliveira, an indigenous woman from the Potyguar people in Belém, embodies this spirit. Representing the Brahma Kumaris, a spiritual organization focused on meditation and the unity of humanity and nature, Oliveira brings a message of hope and mindfulness to the proceedings. She poignantly notes that “Mother Earth is watching” over the decisions made at COP30, urging participants to adopt a positive mindset in their deliberations.
However, the atmosphere at COP30 is marked by tension and militarization, which has raised concerns among civil society groups. Activists, including those from Latin America, had high expectations for this COP, viewing it as a pivotal moment to advocate for environmental justice and showcase the region’s unique challenges, particularly regarding the Amazon. Yet, they have faced a heavy crackdown on protests and civic engagement, which some describe as a reflection of systemic racism and authoritarianism. The militarization of the event has sparked frustration, with activists calling for the Brazilian and UN authorities to recognize the contradiction between their advocacy for civic rights and the reality of suppressed dissent. As the conference progresses, there is a growing hope that the authorities will ease restrictions, allowing for a more open dialogue and genuine engagement from civil society, which is essential for meaningful progress on climate action.
In this critical moment for global climate negotiations, the clash between the need for urgent action on emissions and the realities of civil liberties highlights the complexities of COP30. The voices of indigenous leaders like Oliveira remind us of the intrinsic connection between humanity and the environment, while the challenges faced by activists underscore the importance of creating inclusive spaces for dialogue. As the world looks toward Brazil for leadership in climate policy, the outcomes of COP30 will be pivotal not only for the Amazon but for the global community’s collective response to the climate crisis. The hope remains that through collaboration and respect for civil rights, COP30 can pave the way for a sustainable future that honors both the planet and its people.
As president Lula tries to find common ground between negotiating countries, planetary scientists say emissions must be urgently cut
Mother Earth is watching over Cop30. “I am taking care to watch over all the decisions taken here about me,” she told the Guardian. The blessing card she presented said: “Knowing the powerful impact my thoughts can have on others and the environment, I choose to create a positive mindset.”
This beautiful vision is in everyday life Nazaré Oliveira, an indigenous woman from Belém, and a descendant of the Potyguar people. She is part of the international spiritual organisation
Brahma Kumaris
, led by women and which uses meditation to emphasise the concept of identity as souls rather than bodies and the idea that humanity and nature are one.
This is my fifth COP. I’ve been around since COP26 in Glasgow and this has been the most militarised COP I’ve attended. We had really high expectations because I’m from Latin America, and this is also the Latin American COP – apart from the Amazonian and the Brazilian Cop.
So we had really high expectations of also being able to demonstrate, protest and exercise our right to the civic space. But we have encountered heavy militarisation and a heavy crackdown on civil society protesting outside the venue.
I think it’s very disconcerting. Like it was definitely a very racist letter where the UN seems to want to inflict power over the autonomous territory of Brazilian authorities.
I think this is a confrontation that is needed. What’s happening in between civil society, the military and the UN, it’s a reflection of the tension that exists within this space. So I hope for this COP that the United Nations authorities and the Brazilian authorities open their eyes and they realise that what they are doing, what they are inflicting with the militarisation of COP is completely opposite of what they have been preaching in the last three years.
Brazil knew that they wanted to host this COP since three years ago, probably even earlier. So the way that they are responding to it does not show that they were ready to receive all this flow of international civil society. So my hope is that they can release, relax the heavy militarization that they’re putting in the space and allow us to use the civic space to demonstrate.
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