Thousands of climate protesters marched in Belém, Brazil, outside the COP30 summit, demanding urgent action on climate change and highlighting the voices of Indigenous communities. The peaceful demonstration, marked by symbolic acts like a funeral for fossil fuels, occurred as world leaders negotiate inside the summit.
On Saturday, November 15, 2025, a diverse crowd of thousands gathered in the streets of Belém, host city of the UN COP30 climate talks, in a vibrant and noisy protest. Marching to the beat of samba music and carrying giant coffins labeled ‘Oil,’ ‘Coal,’ and ‘Gas,’ activists called for an end to fossil fuel use and greater inclusion of Indigenous perspectives in climate decisions. The event, dubbed the ‘Great People’s March,’ featured participants from various backgrounds united in their call for concrete results.
Indigenous groups from across Brazil and beyond were prominently featured, with signs reading ‘the answer is us’ and ‘demarcation now,’ advocating for legal ownership of their territories. They emphasized their role as protectors of the Amazon’s biodiversity and expressed frustration that their concerns over deforestation and resource extraction are not being adequately addressed in the summit negotiations. Youth activists and international climate advocates joined them, creating a powerful coalition demanding justice.
This march was the first major protest allowed outside a UN climate conference since 2021, as previous summits were held in countries that restrict public demonstrations. Organizers aimed to pressure negotiators at the halfway point of COP30, where progress has been slow on key issues like fossil fuel phase-out and climate finance. The festive atmosphere contrasted with the urgency of the climate crisis, underscoring the gap between grassroots demands and political action.
Protesters staged a symbolic funeral for fossil fuels, with grim reapers flanking the coffins and inflatable animals like an elephant and anaconda weaving through the crowd under the intense Brazilian sun. Participants, such as Tuga Cíntia from a local theatre group, voiced exhaustion with theoretical discussions, urging immediate implementation of climate solutions. The visual symbols and chants like ‘free the Amazon’ reinforced the message that time is running out for meaningful change.
The protest comes amid urgent warnings from the UN that the world is likely to exceed the 1.5°C global warming threshold within the next decade, with current pledges putting the planet on track for 2.3-2.5°C of warming by 2100. Activists like Brianna Fruean from Samoa highlighted the frontline impacts, stating that fossil fuels continue to burn despite the known risks to vulnerable nations. This context added weight to the marchers’ calls for accelerated emissions cuts and adaptation support.
Security was tight at the COP30 venue, with police in riot shields guarding entrances, following an earlier incident where protesters breached security lines, causing minor injuries. This highlighted the tensions surrounding the summit, particularly over Indigenous representation and land rights. Many Indigenous participants felt sidelined despite the summit being promoted as the ‘indigenous people’s COP,’ leading to frustrations that could affect the talks’ outcomes.
As the talks continue into next week, with nearly 200 countries participating, there is hope for progress on past promises, such as funding for climate adaptation in poorer nations. However, challenges persist, including a record number of fossil fuel lobbyists attending and the absence of a US delegation, complicating efforts. Brazil’s President Lula faces criticism for permitting oil exploration near the Amazon, undermining the summit’s environmental goals.
The march in Belém serves as a powerful reminder of the grassroots demand for climate justice, echoing similar protests worldwide. It emphasizes the need for negotiators to move beyond rhetoric and deliver actionable outcomes that protect both people and the planet from the escalating climate crisis, with the world watching for signs of real commitment in the final days of COP30.
