Brazil, as the host of COP30, holds a hopeful outlook that the upcoming climate summit will transcend polarized discussions on finance and witness increased participation through updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) from various countries. Ana Toni, CEO of the COP30 Presidency, shared in an interview that Brazil plans to launch the Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF). This innovative financing model is designed to recognize the intrinsic value of standing forests, positioning them as essential global assets. The TFFF is anticipated to be a significant highlight of the climate talks.
Regarding updated NDCs: Toni noted that approximately 125 countries, representing about 70% of global emissions, have committed to submitting new 2035 NDCs by the year’s end. The COP30 Presidency is actively engaging with partners to encourage more ambitious and comprehensive submissions, indicating the ongoing effectiveness of the climate regime.
US State Participation: Subnational governments and the US private sector are recognized as vital partners in the COP30 process. Through the Action Agenda, they are accelerating the implementation of the Paris Agreement. Several US governors and mayors are expected to attend COP30 in Belém, and a Local Leaders Forum in Rio de Janeiro will showcase how local actions are driving global climate progress.
Deforestation and Forest Preservation: The Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF) will be introduced in Belém. This results-based financing model, to be hosted by the World Bank, aims to mobilize up to $4 billion annually across over 70 tropical forest countries. It will provide verified, performance-based payments for maintaining forest cover. The TFFF is designed as a long-term investment platform that rewards measurable results, ensuring continuity beyond political cycles. Importantly, at least 20% of national disbursements will be allocated directly to Indigenous Peoples and local communities, acknowledging their crucial role in forest stewardship. The facility has already garnered substantial support from governments, investors, multilateral banks, and civil society, marking a potential turning point in global forest policy by re-framing forests as engines of development and climate stability.
COP30 Focus and Climate Finance: Brazil’s primary objective for COP30 is to build upon and strengthen previous COP achievements while expanding the collective legacy. The aim is to unite all parties, including subnational governments, the private sector, academia, and civil society, under a shared ambition for accelerated emissions reductions and climate impact protection. Toni emphasized the need to move beyond financial polarization towards practical solutions, mobilizing all finance sources to direct resources where they are most needed. The Baku-Belém Roadmap, a collaboration between President Corrêa do Lago and President Babayev, seeks to mobilize $1.3 trillion in climate finance for developing countries by 2035, serving as a critical enabler for climate action.
Beyond Negotiated Outcomes: COP30 will also concentrate on accelerating implementation through the COP30 Action Agenda, designed to translate pledges into tangible progress. This agenda, serving as the Paris Agreement’s implementation engine, builds on the Global Stocktake as a roadmap. It is structured around six key pillars: energy and industry transition; forests, oceans, and biodiversity; agriculture and food systems; cities and resilience; human and social development; and enablers like finance, technology, and capacity-building. The Agenda’s 30 objectives are being advanced by dedicated Activation Groups comprising governments, investors, businesses, and civil society. The ‘Granary of Solutions,’ launched in partnership with the Climate Champions Team, will evaluate past commitments, identify gaps, and determine strategies for faster emissions reductions and global protection.
Key Takeaways:
- Brazil aims for COP30 to focus on concrete climate actions beyond just financial discussions.
- The Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF) will be launched to financially reward countries for preserving forests.
- Brazil is encouraging all nations to submit updated and more ambitious climate action plans (NDCs).
- Subnational governments and the private sector are key partners in accelerating climate implementation.
- The goal is to mobilize $1.3 trillion in climate finance for developing countries by 2035 through the Baku-Belém Roadmap.