These are challenging times for those of us struggling to avert climate catastrophe. Climate denialism is resurging, fuelled by disinformation and misinformation campaigns. Multilateral systems are under strain, fossil fuel interests are emboldened, and the international climate process is faltering. 

WWF approaches COP30 in Belém with optimism and hope that momentum will be rebuilt. This confidence rests on Brazil’s leadership since COP29 in Baku, the potential for a disruptive outcome in the Amazon, and economic inevitability of the energy transition. 

• WWF Climate Lead and Cop30 President: Heading to Brazil with optimism
• WWF at COP30: Find out more
• WWF's Expectation Paper: Essential outcomes required from COP30
• The triple threat: Unpacking the gaps in global climate commitments

Time to implement

Brazil has framed this COP around the theme of implementation, using the Paris Agreement Global Stocktake from Dubai (COP28, 2023) to assess progress and define the next steps. This approach provides a framework for action and sets the stage for a strong political signal that combines the negotiation outcomes with thematic discussions highlighting real world solutions, civil society contributions through the Global Ethical Stocktake, and engagement from non-state actors aligned to the Paris Agreement goals. 

Expectations for COP30 

WWF expect countries, especially those in the G20 which contribute around 80% of global greenhouse gas emissions, to deliver stronger national climate plans. Too few countries have strengthened their emissions plans under the Paris Agreement sufficiently. 

We want to see an ambitious ‘nature package’ approved, taking advantage of this first COP in the Amazon. It must link addressing climate change with protecting and enhancing nature, leveraging the synergies in solutions to the two crises, and creating greater policy coherence. 

We need a cleearly defined pathway for the energy transition. Phasing out fossil fuels – as coal, oil and gas are the biggest drivers of global warming, massively scaling up renewable energy and energy efficiency, while protecting nature and people’s rights. It must be done in a fair and equitable manner. 

COP30 must finalise the adaptation indicators proposed under the UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience and increase action and support to strengthen resilience in the face of escalating climate impacts. 

Finally, we need a stronger and more effective Global Climate Action Agenda, which is being restructured to mobilise all parts of society. The Action Agenda needs to have adequate capacity and instruments to help close the gaps on mitigation, adaptation, and resilience. 

We remain hopeful 

Despite delays, the Paris Agreement remains resilient. Multilateralism, though imperfect, is essential for global challenges like the climate crisis. Science will prevail over misinformation and disinformation. And the economics of the energy transition are strong. A climate-friendly economic transition is irreversible and cost effective. Renewable energy is cheaper than the fossil alternatives, and inaction carries enormous economic risks. 

Message for Belém 

Climate action is not a burden – it is an engine for economic growth. Conversely, unchecked climate disruption threatens global prosperity and is already causing hundreds of billions of dollars of annual losses. COP30 is a pivotal opportunity to deliver a strong outcome and restore momentum behind the Paris Agreement.  

Discover more

WWF at COP30
Climate & Energy at WWF