With the United Nations climate summit in Brazil less than 100 days away, business and civil society leaders express uncertainty about attending COP30 in Belém. This sentiment emerged from both formal interviews and informal discussions.
Many companies and non-profits are hesitant to travel to Belém for the two-week conference starting November 10, due to logistical challenges and shifts in global climate leadership. Some are considering attending only side events in Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo.
Despite related climate events across Brazil, the COP30 president emphasized the importance of company and NGO presence in Belém during a press briefing last week. He stated, “We are delighted that they come to other events, before the COP, in Rio or São Paulo, but Belém is the place. We need the business sector to be present in Belém.”
Private sector involvement in Belém will center on the “action agenda,” a set of priorities separate from governmental negotiations. The COP schedule includes themed days focusing on energy, transport, trade, finance, and carbon markets, offering opportunities for company participation.
While themed days are common at U.N. climate conferences, Brazilian organizers emphasize a shift in approach this year. Instead of announcing new commitments, the focus will be on “implementation,” assessing progress on past pledges and identifying areas for improvement. This includes promises to reduce methane emissions and halt deforestation.
Officials aim to build upon programs and commitments from previous U.N. climate conferences, seeking concrete plans from businesses on how to meet those pledges, especially given concerns about declining ambition. A “granary of solutions” will also be created to showcase successful strategies and encourage wider adoption.
Many companies and non-profits remain undecided about participating in Belém. High prices and limited accommodation have been cited as reasons for hesitation. While affordable housing options have become available on the conference’s official booking site, they may lack amenities expected by Western business travelers.
However, accommodation concerns are not the only deterrent. Companies and large environmental non-profits considering attendance in Rio or São Paulo are also evaluating the value of attending the Belém portion of the event, weighing who else will be there and what can be accomplished.
Meaningful progress requires active participation. While some observers question the value of the COP process, its effectiveness depends on the engagement of advocates.
U.S. firms risk missing out if they choose not to attend. Companies from India and China are expected to have a strong presence, a shift from previous years when Western companies dominated. This reflects a changing landscape in global climate efforts.
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