The COP30 summit in Belém has opened with world leaders sharply criticizing former US President Donald Trump for his stance on climate change, as he was called out for rejecting climate science. Leaders from Colombia and Chile labeled him a liar, reflecting a growing frustration with his administration’s climate policies.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed concerns about waning political support for climate initiatives, noting that climate advocacy had once been a unifying issue but is now increasingly divisive.
The summit will focus on negotiating new climate agreements, particularly around forest protection financing, as leaders aim to raise $25 billion for the Tropical Forests Forever Facility to protect critical ecosystems like the Amazon and the Congo Basin.
Despite these discussions, many major countries—including the US, India, and China—are notably absent from this year’s summit, hampering efforts for substantial commitments.
Trump’s absence is also felt, as he had famously dismissed climate change as a hoax during his presidency. Brazilian President Lula referred indirectly to Trump, cautioning against extremist forces that spread climate misinformation. Meanwhile, other leaders, including the environment minister of Chile, Maisa Rojas, reinforced the scientific consensus on the climate crisis, urging a truthful narrative over fabricated claims.
Overall, while leaders passionately criticized Trump, the difficulty in reaching new climate agreements remains evident, as many countries have yet to submit updated plans to mitigate carbon emissions.
