Belem, Brazil: World leaders gathered in the heart of the Amazon rainforest for a major United Nations climate summit, where the urgency of addressing global warming dominated discussions. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered a strong message, warning that continued dependence on fossil fuels was pushing the world closer to irreversible climate damage.
Guterres criticized the influence of oil and gas interests in shaping climate policy, arguing that global inaction has already resulted in severe environmental disruptions. He urged governments to act decisively to keep global temperature rise within safe limits.
Brazil’s President, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, appealed to nations to uphold past climate commitments and protect the Amazon, which plays a key role in regulating the planet’s climate. Lula emphasized that safeguarding the rainforest is essential not only for Brazil but for the entire world.
However, the absence of major polluting nations, including the United States, China, and India, raised questions about the summit’s potential outcomes. Many leaders openly criticized the United States for stepping back from climate responsibilities, expressing concern that this could weaken global climate cooperation. Some analysts, however, suggested that the absence of U.S. leadership might also give other nations space to push for more ambitious agreements.
The summit continues amid cautious optimism, with negotiators working to find common ground on emissions reduction, financial support for climate-vulnerable nations, and protection of global forests.