World leaders at the COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil, have launched sharp criticisms against former US President Donald Trump for his dismissal of climate science, highlighting a growing political divide in global efforts to combat climate change.
The COP30 summit, taking place in the heart of the Amazon, aims to forge new agreements on climate action, with a particular emphasis on financing for forest conservation. Delegates from around the world are participating in two weeks of negotiations, but the absence of major emitters like the US, China, India, and Russia has cast a shadow over the proceedings. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva opened the event by warning against “extremist forces” that spread misinformation, indirectly referencing Trump’s stance. The summit’s location in Belém underscores the urgency of protecting tropical forests, which are vital carbon sinks. However, low attendance from key nations raises questions about the potential for meaningful outcomes.
Direct attacks on Trump came from several quarters, with the leaders of Colombia and Chile labeling him a liar for his rejection of established climate science. Chile’s Environment Minister Maisa Rojas told the BBC that it is crucial not to falsify the truth, emphasizing the clear scientific consensus on human-induced climate change. Trump, who is not present at the summit, recently reiterated his view that climate change is a “con job” during a UN speech, arguing that it imposes unnecessary burdens on developed countries. These comments have galvanized criticism from other leaders who see them as undermining global cooperation.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer addressed the summit, acknowledging that the political consensus on climate action has eroded both internationally and within the UK. He stated, “What was once a unity issue is now gone,” but pledged that the UK remains committed to climate goals. Starmer’s remarks reflect broader concerns about rising skepticism and opposition to climate policies in various countries, including the US under Trump’s influence. Despite this, he urged other nations to stay the course and work together on solutions.
A significant setback for the summit hosts was the UK’s decision to opt out of the Tropical Forests Forever Facility, a $125 billion fund designed to support rainforest protection in regions like the Amazon and Congo Basin. President Lula had hoped to raise $25 billion from developed nations for this initiative, viewing it as critical for climate stability. The UK’s withdrawal, after being involved in the fund’s design, has caused frustration in Brazil, with former environment minister Lord Zach Goldsmith describing it as a last-minute reversal that has angered Brazilian officials.
The fund’s importance was highlighted by Prince William, who praised it as a “visionary step” and shortlisted it for his Earthshot Prize. In his speech, he called for “urgent optimism” and urged leaders to act for future generations, saying, “Let us be the generation that turned the tide.” His words contrasted with the UK government’s practical decision, illustrating the tension between rhetorical support and concrete financial commitments in climate diplomacy.
The criticisms of Trump occur against a backdrop of increasing climate impacts, such as Hurricane Melissa, which recently devastated the Caribbean and was linked by scientists to intensified rainfall due to climate change. Imperial College research indicated a 16% increase in extreme rainfall associated with the hurricane, underscoring the urgent need for action. Such events highlight the real-world consequences of inaction and add pressure on delegates to achieve tangible results at COP30.
Over the next two weeks, countries will negotiate on key issues like finance for adaptation and loss and damage in vulnerable nations. However, many countries have failed to submit updated carbon reduction plans, and the limited leader participation suggests that reaching a comprehensive deal will be challenging. The focus on forest protection remains central, but without broad support, efforts may fall short of what is needed to limit global warming.
Ultimately, the summit illustrates the complex interplay of politics, science, and economics in climate policy. While the condemnation of Trump signals a defense of climate science, it also reveals deep divisions that could hinder progress. The outcome of COP30 will depend on whether nations can overcome these hurdles and commit to collective action, ensuring that short-term political conflicts do not derail long-term environmental goals.