Energy, Politics and Protest: COP30’s Opening Week in Focus
The first week of COP30 in Belém delivered an eventful mix of announcements, tensions, and emerging trends. Negotiators clashed over finance, protesters pushed climate justice back onto the agenda, and new initiatives highlighted how rapidly the landscape is shifting on forests, fuels, and the energy transition. From advanced biofuels to the launch of a landmark tropical forest finance facility, early developments set the stage for a summit where ambition, politics, and regional leadership are on full display.
Brazil’s Balancing Act: Host Calls for Fossil-Fuel Exit While Expanding Oil
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva used the opening plenary to call for a “global road map” to phase out oil and gas. The message landed awkwardly against Brazil’s own plans to ramp up offshore exploration, including in the Equatorial Margin. The contradiction captured one of COP30’s defining tensions: how major producers can champion transition diplomacy while relying on fossil revenues to fund development.
Protests by Indigenous and Youth Movements Disrupt Negotiations
Throughout the first week, Indigenous organisations and youth climate groups held demonstrations inside and outside the Belém venue, criticising negotiators for slow progress on fossil-fuel phase-outs and forest protection. Protesters accused governments of “greenwashing” and warned that any final agreement must embed land rights, biodiversity safeguards and direct community participation — not just headline climate targets.
Forest Finance Takes Centre Stage as Brazil Launches the Tropical Forests Forever Facility
One of the first major announcements was Brazil’s launch of the Tropical Forests Forever Facility, a long-promised mechanism designed to deliver predictable, long-term finance for rainforest protection. The facility aims to reward countries for verifiable forest conservation while offering stability beyond short, project-based climate funds. Coming out of the Amazon-hosting nation, the move set a strongly nature-focused tone for the opening week.
G77 and China Push for a New Just Transition Mechanism
Financing the global energy shift quickly became a flashpoint. The G77 and China bloc formally pushed for the creation of a new Just Transition Mechanism, arguing that fairness and development needs must be embedded in how the global energy transition is funded. Developed countries pushed back, saying the proposal risks duplicating existing funds and stretching limited climate finance budgets. The dispute exposed deeper disagreements over historical responsibility, sovereignty and who pays for a rapid low-carbon transition.
Biofuels and New Aviation Fuels Take the Spotlight in Latin America-Heavy Energy Discussions
Latin America dominated energy-themed events during the first week. Brazil showcased a new 100% diesel-replacement biofuel, claiming up to 99% emissions cuts without engine modifications — a direct pitch to hard-to-electrify sectors. At the same time, the global aviation industry convened with Brazil and regional partners to highlight Latin America’s potential as a major sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production hub.