Global efforts to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius are faltering, as leaders gather in Belem, Brazil, for the COP30 climate summit. The event brings together politicians, scientists, business leaders, and non-governmental organizations to address climate change issues.

Belem, located at the entrance to the Amazon rainforest, serves as a symbolic host city. Brazil aims to highlight a key fund that incentivizes countries to preserve carbon-absorbing forests. However, accommodating tens of thousands of delegates has posed logistical challenges, leading to a scramble for sufficient lodging.

The Brazilian government remains committed to hosting the summit, emphasizing the importance of the Amazon and its Indigenous guardians. Richie Merzian, CEO of the Clean Energy Investor Group, noted that Brazil's determination reflects the global commitment to climate action. "There are all these dramas, but, you know, almost every country in the world is sticking with it," he said.

Despite these efforts, the international goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels is at risk. The United Nations' environmental body has warned that exceeding this threshold is "very likely" within this decade. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the situation as "deadly negligence," stressing the urgent need to reduce emissions.

This year is projected to be among the warmest on record, according to the World Meteorological Organization. The backdrop for the summit is politically challenging, particularly following the United States' withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, which aims to keep temperature increases well below 2 degrees Celsius. Notably, the U.S. was absent from the two-day gathering of heads of state, along with China and India, the world's top three polluters.

Independent economist and Climate Councillor Nicki Hutley acknowledged the U.S. government's retreat from climate action but emphasized that it does not signify the end of climate negotiations. "Expect America's sub-national governments to play a larger role," she said, adding that European nations are expected to increase their commitments.

Hutley also pointed to China's focus on clean industries, such as electric vehicles, despite its high emissions. The summit is expected to focus on the gap between national climate commitments and temperature goals, as well as discussions on adaptation, deforestation, and climate finance for developing countries.

John Grimes, CEO of the Smart Energy Council, described the summit as a chance to regain control over climate outcomes, particularly at the state and city levels. He highlighted Australia's leadership in distributed energy resources, such as rooftop solar and batteries, as a model for innovation.

The COP30 summit will also address Australia's joint bid to co-host the next climate summit with Pacific island nations. Turkey is also in the running, and a decision on the venue is expected soon. Merzian noted that Australia could play a significant role in future negotiations, with Federal Climate Minister Chris Bowen co-chairing finance discussions in Azerbaijan in 2024.

Vanuatu's Climate Change Minister Ralph Regenvanu, who advocated for the World Court's advisory opinion on climate change, expressed low expectations for the summit. He highlighted the court's warning that failing to reduce fossil fuel production and consumption could be considered an "international wrongful act."

While Australia is moving away from fossil fuels domestically, it remains a major exporter of coal and gas. Hutley emphasized the importance of monitoring the final text of the summit to see if the 1.5-degree goal remains intact. She stressed that every fraction of a degree matters, especially in light of recent destructive floods and fires. "We can't accept this. We just can't accept it," she said.