THOUSANDS of climate protesters flooded the streets of Belem on Saturday in a vibrant, diverse, and peaceful demonstration calling for urgent action to protect the planet, as negotiators at the COP30 climate summit reached the midpoint of talks aimed at turning decades of promises into concrete measures to curb rising global temperatures.
Reuters reported today that indigenous groups, youth activists, and civil society organisations marched under the tropical sun, singing, playing instruments, and waving banners in temperatures near 30 degrees Celsius, which felt closer to 35 due to high humidity.
Addressing the crowd, Brazil’s Environment Minister Marina Silva emphasised the urgency of transitioning away from deforestation and fossil fuel dependence.
“This is a place for us to march and draw up a roadmap for what needs to be done at this COP,” she said.
Indigenous protester Cristiane Puyanawa also took part, calling for the recognition of land rights. “Our land and our forest are not commodities. Respect nature and the peoples who live in the forest,” she said.
Saturday was officially designated as a day of protest during the two-week summit, with a strong security presence, including military police in riot gear, although the march route avoided the COP venue directly.
Negotiators meanwhile reported on progress in plenary sessions before national ministers take over to address the remaining political challenges. Katharine Hayhoe, chief scientist at The Nature Conservancy, urged focus on human impact.
“As negotiators approach week two, they need to remember that climate action isn't about abstract numbers or distant targets. It's about people. Every choice we make today determines the future we will share tomorrow,” she said.
The summit continues to wrestle with contentious issues including climate finance, phasing out fossil fuels, and addressing shortfalls in emissions-reduction pledges.
COP30 President Andre Correa do Lago indicated the possibility of a high-stakes compromise, known as a ‘cover decision,’ while cautioning that it will depend on country-level proposals.
“For a long time, I've been saying that we are not planning a cover decision, but if there is a movement from the countries to propose a cover decision, the presidency will obviously take it into consideration. So, let's see how things evolve,” he said.
New financial initiatives also emerged, with the Premium Flyers Solidarity Coalition proposing taxes on premium air tickets and private jets, now joined by Djibouti, Nigeria, and South Sudan alongside France, Spain, Kenya, and Barbados.
“If this COP has made anything clear, it is that the next decade must be one of acceleration powered by non-debt finance,” said Selwin Hart, special adviser to the UN Secretary-General.
Meanwhile, the Utilities for Net Zero Alliance raised its investment target to nearly $150 billion, including $66 billion for renewable energy and $82 billion for electricity grids and batteries. - November 16, 2025
