WITH ONE WEEK done and the second getting underway, the pressure is on world leaders to deliver on real climate action at this COP30 in Belém, Brazil. Negotiations thus far have included the good, the bad and the ugly.

The good parts have been clear. Despite the notable absence of the US – one of the world’s largest polluters – negotiations continue apace with most countries in the world determined to make this work.

Hugely positive also is progress on finally putting a just transition on the table. In a show of united power, week one brought a pivotal moment when countries of the G77 plus China united to call for a new global mechanism to deliver on just transition, the need to phase out and end investment in fossil fuels and switch to renewable energy, and using agriculture in a way that works with the earth, not against it.

It’s now game on for just transition and week two discussions which will focus on the need for a Belém Action Mechanism to set global standards for how we transition, focusing on ensuring workers, women and communities can shape climate plans to make sure their lives are better and not worse.

It remains to be seen how Global North countries will respond in a meaningful way to this call for overarching climate action and coordination on a just transition, and a renewed focus on ensuring climate action delivers for people and the planet.

Good too was the solidarity and activism evident all week by many citizens, indigenous people, women’s groups, and civil society organisations who are demanding a better planet for all.

European states like Ireland call for limiting global warming to the 1.5°C threshold set out in the Paris Agreement but are at the same time allowing for new oil and gas expansion.

The burning of fossil fuels currently accounts for over 75% of global GHGs, making this sector the........

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