COP30 President on Trump, Trade, and the Challenges Ahead in Belém “`
During a recent phone conversation with André Corrêa do Lago, the newly appointed head of this year’s UN climate conference, I learned that a global deadline for submitting new climate action plans had just passed. A surprisingly high number of countries had met it.
This significant response, encompassing all 195 nations party to the Paris Agreement, highlights the monumental task facing Corrêa do Lago, a Brazilian diplomat and former chief climate negotiator for his country. His role is to cultivate international cooperation and secure new agreements in a world grappling with nationalist forces downplaying the climate crisis.
“I firmly believe in multilateralism, and that collaboration is key to resolving significant global issues,” Corrêa do Lago explained from Rio de Janeiro, as he prepares to host COP30 in Belém, Brazil this November. “However, the international landscape is quite complex.”
A major challenge is the new Trump administration in the U.S., which he diplomatically described as “challenging.” With Trump’s renewed efforts to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, the U.S.’s involvement in future UN climate talks remains uncertain. “We must await further developments regarding their policy direction,” Corrêa do Lago commented.
He remains optimistic, however, about preventing further withdrawals from the Paris accord. Unlike traditional treaties, he emphasizes that the Paris Agreement relies on voluntary commitments, not enforcement. While some criticize this as a weakness, he argues it discourages withdrawal; countries gain little by leaving, but risk trade barriers from climate-conscious nations. He suggested that Argentina’s withdrawal would jeopardize its trade deal with the EU, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Trade is indeed a significant point of contention. Many developing and emerging economies have expressed concerns over the EU’s carbon border adjustment mechanism on certain imports. U.S. tariffs, and the threat of more, on allies and rivals alike, have also intensified the focus on trade. While trade’s role in UN climate negotiations has been limited, Brazil and other nations pushed for increased attention last year. Corrêa do Lago identified trade as a key obstacle, stating that building consensus on trade-related issues would be “extremely important.”
Underlying these issues is a concerning reality: the perceived and actual costs of climate policies have slowed progress in many places, as voters favor populist leaders who oppose multilateral efforts—and sometimes outright deny climate change.
To maintain momentum, Corrêa do Lago aims to highlight the benefits of climate action. “This transition must be managed rationally,” he stated. “Many sectors face challenges; jobs may even be lost… we must demonstrate the positive impacts of this transition.”
Convincing people–and convincing companies
This includes engaging the increasingly vital private sector. Business involvement in UN climate conferences has grown as the focus shifts towards implementation. Corrêa do Lago confirmed a significant private sector role this year. “We prioritize solutions,” he stated, “and most of these solutions originate from the private sector.”
The initial hurdle is welcoming the private sector—literally. The choice of Belém, a remote city with limited infrastructure and accommodations, has raised concerns about corporate participation. Corrêa do Lago assured companies that support would be provided. “We want the private sector to be central, and we will ensure suitable accommodations and a warm welcome.”
He acknowledged that the location would distinguish this COP from its predecessors. “President Lula and I believe the symbolic significance of holding the COP in the Amazon outweighs any infrastructural challenges,” he explained.
The COP presidency is demanding. Over the coming months, Corrêa do Lago will travel extensively, engaging with stakeholders, gauging positions, and fostering consensus. This work is more critical than ever, with global temperatures exceeding the Paris Agreement targets and devastating climate-related events foreshadowing the future.