UNFCCC

COP30 Unveils Thematic Days and Invites the World to Belém, Brazil

COP30 Unveils Thematic Days and Invites the World to Belém, Brazil

Source: Agência Gov (Brazil), August 6, 2025 In an official statement made this week, the Brazilian government, in partnership with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), announced the schedule of thematic days for COP30, which will take place in Belém do Pará from November 10 to 21, 2025. The global event marks a historic moment as it will be the first UN Climate Change Conference held in the Amazon. During a press conference, the Executive Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, João Paulo Capobianco, emphasized Brazil’s intention to offer an inclusive and action-driven summit: “We want COP30 to be a transformative milestone, both in terms of the commitments taken on by countries and the legacy it will leave for the Amazon, for Brazil, and for the planet,” he said. The official thematic calendar was developed based on consultations with civil society, scientists, governments, and Indigenous representatives. According to Capobianco, the themes were designed to highlight climate justice, biodiversity, decarbonization, and sustainable development, ensuring that the Amazon is at the center of global climate negotiations. Key Thematic Days of COP30 As Ana Toni, COP30 CEO, stated: “We want scientists and students, ministers and mayors, activists and artists to see where they belong in this agenda and plan to join us in Belém for collective action … This calendar brings clarity to participants, and momentum to our movement. Participation is power.” Dates Themes Nov 10–11 Adaptation; Cities; Infrastructure; Water; Waste; Local Governments; Bioeconomy; Circular Economy; Tourism Nov 12–13 Health; Jobs; Education; Culture; Justice & Human Rights; Information Integrity; Workers; introduction of the Global Ethical Stocktake Nov 14–15 Energy; Industry; Transport; Trade; Finance; Carbon Markets; Non‑CO₂ Gases—supporting goals to triple renewables, double energy efficiency, and ensure a just fossil‑fuel transition Nov 17–18 Forests; Oceans; Biodiversity—highlighting Indigenous peoples, local and traditional communities, youth, and small & medium entrepreneurs Nov 19–20 Agriculture; Food Systems & Security; Fisheries; Family Farming; Women; Gender; Afro‑descendants; plus focus on Science, Technology and Artificial Intelligence Each thematic day will host panels, debates, and technical sessions aimed at advancing the implementation of the Paris Agreement, promoting nature-based solutions, and supporting climate-positive actions aligned with sustainable development goals. The Amazon as a Global Climate Stage Belém, the capital of Pará, is preparing to receive more than 30,000 participants from around the world. The government is investing in infrastructure, sustainability measures, and digital platforms to ensure accessibility, transparency, and carbon accountability during the event. Marina Silva, Brazil’s Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, reinforced the significance of holding COP30 in the Amazon: “We want the world to see the Amazon not just as a place that needs protection, but as a place of solutions, of science, of culture, and of hope.” The selection of Belém as host city reflects a strategic effort to position the Amazon biome at the heart of global climate discussions, drawing attention to the role of tropical forests in carbon sequestration, ecosystem services, and indigenous stewardship. Green Initiative’s Commentary At Green Initiative, we recognize the urgency of ensuring that climate and nature-positive solutions are scaled and recognized at global forums like COP30. We applaud the focus on territorial governance, inclusive participation, and thematic alignment, particularly around forest-based solutions and the energy transition. As part of our commitment, we will continue supporting private and institutional stakeholders that seek to create measurable impact for people and planet. This article was written by Yves Hemelryck from the Green Initiative team Related Reading

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Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in 2025 Progress, Challenges, and Global Impact

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in 2025: Progress, Challenges, and Global Impact

What Are Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)? Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are climate action plans submitted by countries under the Paris Agreement, an international treaty adopted in 2015 to limit global warming and strengthen global responses to climate change. to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate global warming. These commitments are crucial in the global fight against climate change, with periodic updates required to enhance ambitions and align with the 1.5°C target set by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The 2025 NDC Update: Where Do Countries Stand? As of February 2025, only 13 out of 195 signatory nations have submitted their updated NDCs ahead of the February 10, 2025, deadline. Among the leading countries to meet the submission deadline are: Are Current NDCs Enough to Meet the Paris Agreement Goals? Despite some progress, the overall global climate response remains inadequate. The UNFCCC warns that current national climate plans will only achieve a 2.6% reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, far below the required 43% reduction needed to limit warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Furthermore, extreme weather events, including record-breaking heatwaves and intensified hurricanes, underscore the urgent need for more aggressive mitigation efforts. The UNFCCC warns that current national climate plans will only achieve a 2.6% reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, far below the required 43% reduction needed to limit warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Key Challenges in Achieving NDC Targets The Role of COP30 in Strengthening Climate Commitments The upcoming COP30 conference in Brazil presents a critical opportunity to: Visit the COP30 Host Country site. Conclusion: Urgent Action Needed to Strengthen Global Climate Goals While countries like the U.S., Japan, and UAE have set ambitious emission reduction targets, the global response is still falling short. To prevent catastrophic climate impacts, immediate and intensified efforts are required to align with the Paris Agreement targets. The fight against climate change demands urgent, collective, and sustained action. Ready to align your practices with climate action? Contact us today to explore how Green Initiative can help you achieve measurable climate mitigation impact through responsible and transparent actions. Contact us at https://greeninitiative.eco/contact/ This article was written by Marc Tristant from the Green Initiative Team. Related Articles

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