US President Donald Trump has faced significant criticism from world leaders ahead of the COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil, due to his controversial stance on climate change.
Notably, Trump, who is absent from the summit, was labeled a liar by leaders from Colombia and Chile for denying the validity of climate science.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer pointed to the diminishing international unity on climate action, a shift from the once-solid global consensus.
As negotiations unfold over the next two weeks, the focus remains on securing funding for forest protection and an effective climate deal.
While the summit lacks participation from major nations like the US, the impact of Trump's views looms large over discussions, with leaders stressing the urgency of addressing climate change.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil highlighted the threat of extremist forces spreading misinformation about climate science.
Chile's Environment Minister Maisa Rojas emphasized the importance of truthful representations of science, critiquing Trump's narrative.
Despite the criticisms aimed at Trump, reaching a consensus on actionable steps to mitigate climate impacts appears increasingly complex, with many countries slow to commit to new carbon emission plans.
The UK’s decision to withdraw from a significant funding initiative to protect rainforests has added to the tension, with Brazilian officials expressing frustration.
Amidst this backdrop, leaders like Prince William urged for collective will and optimism to combat climatic challenges, echoing sentiments of urgency and responsibility to future generations.
As climate change intensifies globally, evidenced by recent catastrophic events, the COP30 summit stands at a critical junction where collaboration remains vital.
