COP30. From global to local: Belém to Bristol

From 10-21 November the 30th UN Climate Change Conference, COP30, is taking place in Belém, Brazil, where nation leaders from across the world are coming together to discuss solutions to the climate crisis, with a focus on greenhouse gas reduction, adaptation strategies, and financing for developing countries.

What to watch out for at COP30? 

At the Partnership’s November Green Mingle, Dr Alix Dietzel, Senior Lecturer in Climate Justice and designated COP lead at the University of Bristol, provided an analysis of why this year’s negotiations will play a pivotal role in both the global climate landscape and its influence on the local scale. Alix’s talk centred around five key themes that are especially important to focus on at this year’s COP.

• Climate finance. At the last COP, a new finance target was agreed; however, decisions still need to be made on who will pay for climate change adaptation and mitigation, with developing countries waiting for clear commitments from wealthier countries.
• Just transition. The UN needs to decide on the scope of the definition of just transition. There’s an ongoing conflict with the global North pushing for a narrow definition centring around workforce and energy, while the global South wants a more holistic vision centred around system change, indigenous, human, and women’s rights, to ensure fair and inclusive climate action. This and the above climate finance contention are sticking points that could stall progress in negotiations and decision-making.
• Saving tropical rainforests. COP30 has drawn global attention due to its host’s location in the Amazon rainforest. With talks positioned against the backdrop of a powerful symbol of biodiversity and climate protection, all eyes are on COP30 to see if they provide the needed space to discuss the vital role of rainforests and Indigenous Peoples, and address how to tackle the industries deforesting these important ecosystems.
• Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). These lay out each countries plans to reach the target agreed at the Paris Climate Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5°C, compared to pre-industrial levels. 2025 marked the next round of NDCs, however some countries are still to submit theirs. Until all of them are submitted, it will be hard to decipher whether we are on track to meet the target.
• Equity at the negotiations. The high costs of attending COP30 in Belém mean many smaller delegations and Indigenous representatives are excluded, resulting in those often affected worse by the impacts of the climate crisis being left out of the conversation.

From Alix’s perspective, it was clear that there are a lot of decisions that we are looking for from COP30, although there is a feeling of uncertainty that all that needs to be achieved will be. While we hope that the political will is present to enact strong climate measures grounded in a just transition and inclusive approach, Alix reminded us of the power here in Bristol to influence at both the local and the national level.

The importance of local climate action

International conferences and targets guide the work carried out on a national and city level. Alix also highlighted Bristol’s strong local-to-global connection, with the Partnership’s work providing a blueprint and evidence base of what successful climate and nature action can look like, inspiring others to do the same.

Bristol has long been a leader in climate action and environmental justice, and while we face some of these democratic issues touched on above at a city level, there has been a lot of work to overcome them and identify solutions, using a community-centred approach.

While international climate conferences are important to hold countries accountable and set the global direction for action, it’s at the local level where you can see the tangible and ambitious steps taking place, building the foundations for a greener future where community and the planet can thrive.

If you wish to explore COP30 in more detail, read Dr Alix Dietzel’s blog which expands on these five themes, and follow Cabot Institute for the Environment for updates from Brazil.