Developing countries are calling on wealthier nations to cut emissions and provide more financial support ahead of a crucial climate summit in Brazil, as concerns grow over Donald Trump’s approach to global climate policy.
In short:
- Diplomats from the developing world are pushing for stronger climate commitments from rich nations before the COP30 summit in Brazil, following disappointing negotiations at COP29 in Azerbaijan.
- Poorer countries argue that wealthier nations, particularly those in the G20, bear responsibility for the emissions driving climate change and must provide more financial aid to help vulnerable nations adapt.
- Brazil’s leadership of COP30 is seen as an opportunity to reset global climate talks, but divisions remain, especially with the U.S. pulling back from the Paris Agreement under Trump.
Key quote:
“Africa, responsible for less than 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, remains disproportionately affected by the intensifying impacts of climate change.”
— Ali Mohamed, chair of the African group of negotiators and Kenya's special envoy for climate change
Why this matters:
As the planet continues to warm, developing nations bear the brunt of extreme weather, rising sea levels, and food insecurity despite contributing little to global emissions. Wealthy countries have long pledged financial aid to help poorer nations adapt, but funding remains insufficient. With Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and political uncertainty in Europe, global climate leadership is at risk. The outcome of COP30 could determine whether the world stays on track to limit warming to 1.5C or drifts further into climate instability.
Related: Ruth Greenspan Bell: Wealth and the climate dilemma
