Calls for Concrete Climate Action Following COP30

Experts urge shift from promises to tangible progress

At the recent COP30 climate summit held in Belém, Brazil, global leaders gathered to discuss the implementation of the Paris Agreement and to present national climate plans. While the conference was promoted as an “implementation COP,” aimed at moving beyond dialogue towards real action, the outcomes have been met with cautious responses, particularly regarding the urgency of addressing climate change impacts on vulnerable communities.

Key outcomes and ongoing challenges

The summit saw participation from 194 parties, who collectively adopted the Mutirão decision, signalling a commitment to collaborative efforts. However, questions remain about whether these commitments will translate into effective measures, especially as global temperatures continue to rise and extreme weather events such as floods and droughts increasingly affect millions worldwide.

Gendered impacts of climate change

One significant issue highlighted is the disproportionate effect of climate change on women and girls, particularly in vulnerable regions. Women dependent on agriculture face increased challenges during droughts, including longer distances to access water, food insecurity, and heightened risks of violence.

COP30 introduced a new Gender Action Plan, which calls for the collection of gender-disaggregated data and the development of inclusive climate governance strategies. Despite these steps, concerns persist about the lack of adequate funding for gender-responsive initiatives, including technology, capacity building, and direct support for women-led adaptation efforts. Without sufficient investment, experts warn that gender equity in climate action remains limited in practice.

Addressing climate disinformation

The summit also marked the launch of the first-ever Declaration on Information Integrity on Climate Change, initiated by Brazil, UNESCO, and the UN Department of Global Communications. This declaration aims to combat climate disinformation, which undermines public trust, delays policy implementation, and endangers those advocating for climate action.

While the declaration is viewed as a positive step, its effectiveness will depend on the establishment of concrete protections and accountability measures to ensure credible information supports climate policies.

Finance and fossil fuel phase-out remain contentious

Financial commitments reaffirmed at COP30 include mobilising $1.3 trillion annually by 2035 to support developing countries, with developed nations expected to provide $300 billion per year. However, this timeline and funding level have been criticised as insufficient and delayed, given the immediate needs of communities affected by climate impacts.

The summit also revealed divisions over fossil fuel phase-out. Although over 80 parties supported a roadmap to phase out fossil fuels, resistance from oil-producing states resulted in a compromise centred on voluntary acceleration rather than binding commitments. This ambiguity has raised concerns about the potential for continued emissions and further harm to vulnerable populations.

Implications for climate justice and future action

Experts emphasise that the gaps in funding, gender equity, information integrity, and fossil fuel reduction have direct consequences on lives and livelihoods, particularly for those least responsible for greenhouse gas emissions. Climate justice, they argue, requires prioritising adaptation funding, embedding gender considerations in all climate decisions, and addressing disinformation with urgency.

While COP30 advanced discussions on these issues, there is a consensus that dialogue alone will not reduce emissions, rebuild communities, or protect those most affected by climate change. The coming months will be critical in determining whether the commitments made translate into meaningful progress or whether climate justice remains marginalised within global climate action.