thousands March in Belém, Demanding Climate Action at COP30 Summit
Belém, Brazil - Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Belém today, calling for urgent action on climate change during the ongoing COP30 summit. The march, featuring a diverse coalition of activists and Indigenous groups, underscored growing pressure on negotiators as the talks enter their final week.
The demonstration highlighted several key concerns, including the protection of the Amazon rainforest and the rights of its communities.maria Melia, of the Quilombola Movement of Maranhão, joined the march to protest a proposed “hydrovia” water transport project she says threatens her community’s territory. “We are fighting for the Amazon,” Melia stated, referencing the project’s potential impact. Support for Palestine was also prominently displayed through flags and chants, alongside the sounds of classic Brazilian music, including Alçeu Valença’s “Anunçiação,” and the Spanish socialist anthem, ”Bella Ciao.”
COP30, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, is a critical chance for nations to accelerate efforts to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, as outlined in the Paris agreement. The summit’s progress is currently stalled on four key issues: climate finance, trade, openness, and the inadequacy of current national climate plans. Brazilian hosts have indicated they will prioritize implementation over a conventional concluding agreement, leaving the final outcome uncertain. Negotiations are ongoing through “presidency consultations” initiated last Sunday. The march is expected to continue for several hours, amplifying calls for decisive action from world leaders.
