The 30th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change is shaping up to be a critical turning point in the global fight against climate change. As the international community gathers in Brazil for this year’s talks, experts agree that the conference represents an unparalleled opportunity to turn the growing momentum for climate action into substantive, real-world policies that can lead to lasting environmental change.

The COP30 yearbook, published ahead of the conference, highlights both the acceleration of global climate efforts and the increasing focus on people-centred initiatives. This emphasis on human wellbeing, particularly for vulnerable communities, marks a shift from previous climate discussions that have primarily centred on environmental targets. According to the yearbook, the mounting challenges posed by climate-related disasters, such as floods, wildfires, and droughts, have underscored the need for climate policies that not only address emissions but also enhance resilience for those who are most at risk.

One of the key takeaways from the yearbook is the growing recognition of the intersection between climate action and socioeconomic issues. The latest reports indicate that countries are beginning to align climate goals with broader development objectives, creating synergies between environmental, economic, and social priorities. This represents a significant shift in the global approach to climate change, as governments and private sector leaders focus on strategies that deliver both environmental benefits and improve living standards.

COP30 is expected to be a critical platform for pushing the boundaries of the Paris Agreement’s climate targets, with an increased push for developing nations to commit to more ambitious goals. The yearbook underscores the success of the Global Climate Action Initiative, which has facilitated collaborative efforts between governments, businesses, and civil society. By highlighting these initiatives, COP30 serves as a launchpad for nations to implement their climate commitments and integrate them into national policy frameworks.

Brazil, the host nation, has already outlined ambitious plans to strengthen its environmental policies, focusing on forest protection, renewable energy expansion, and clean technology investments. As one of the largest countries in the global south, Brazil’s leadership in COP30 is seen as crucial for advancing the agenda of inclusive climate action, particularly in developing nations. With its position as a leader in biofuels and solar energy, Brazil is well-placed to showcase its progress and drive the adoption of cleaner energy solutions worldwide.

The yearbook further draws attention to the need for scaling up finance for climate action. The issue of climate finance has been a point of contention in previous COP negotiations, with developing countries calling for more robust financial commitments from wealthier nations. At COP30, this debate is expected to take centre stage, with calls for stronger financial support for adaptation and loss and damage, areas where funding has often been insufficient. Many observers anticipate that there will be progress on the fulfilment of the $100 billion annual pledge for climate finance, which aims to support developing nations in meeting their climate targets.

The yearbook also highlights a marked shift towards greater transparency in climate reporting. Governments are increasingly being called upon to improve the accuracy and timeliness of their emissions data, with the aim of making global progress on emissions reductions more accountable and measurable. By implementing stricter monitoring systems, COP30 aims to ensure that countries meet their commitments and take meaningful actions towards mitigating climate change.

However, the challenges ahead remain significant. The yearbook notes that while progress has been made in many areas, such as renewable energy adoption and emissions reductions, the overall pace of change is still too slow to meet the targets required to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The focus on people-centred climate action is expected to catalyse efforts in the most vulnerable regions, where communities are bearing the brunt of environmental degradation. At the same time, the private sector is expected to play a critical role, with businesses investing in clean technologies and climate-resilient infrastructure.