In the final days of negotiation, what are the important issues at the climate conference?

In practice, climate conference discussions revolve around three main questions:

1. How can countries intensify their climate efforts?

With the planet warming at record speed and climate disasters worsening, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the effects of climate change dominate the agenda. Delegates will discuss key tools:

• Nationally Determined Contributions: These are national climate plans that are updated every five years. At the climate conference, countries are examining new ways to boost ambition and accelerate implementation.

• Phasing out fossil fuels (traditional fuels such as oil and gas): COP28 participants agreed to “transition away from fossil fuels.” Negotiators are now discussing whether a clearer, more context-sensitive road map for this transformation should be developed.

• National Adaptation Plans: 72 countries have submitted their plans, but most lack funding. One proposal: triple adaptation funding by 2025.

• Global Adaptation Target: Talks focus on around 100 indicators to track global adaptation progress.
• Forest Finance Roadmap: Supported by 36 governments, representing 45% of global forest cover and 65% of GDP. It aims to close an annual gap of $66.8 billion to protect and restore tropical forests.

2. How can money and technology reach those who need it most?

Political promises alone will not solve the climate crisis – it takes real resources. COP-30 negotiators are exploring ways to provide finance and technology:

• Article 9.1 of the Paris Climate Agreement: Developed countries must support developing countries financially. Delegates will study an action plan and accountability tools.

• Baku Roadmap (where last year’s climate conference was held) – Belem on a proposal to mobilize $1.3 trillion annually for developing countries, discussing five action areas and tools for debt relief.

• Loss and Damage Fund: The Fund was established at COP 27 and launched at COP 28 to assist countries most affected by climate impacts. The fund arrives at this year’s conference underfunded, prompting calls for more contributions.

• Green Climate Fund: The world’s largest climate fund, but its latest replenishment cycle has shown signs of decline.

• Global Environment Facility: Provides grants to developing countries, but current funding is considered insufficient.

• Technology Implementation Programme: Aims to improve access to climate technologies, but negotiations remain divided over financial and trade barriers.

• Unilateral trade-restrictive measures: Climate-related trade policies that could harm developing countries. One idea: create a platform to evaluate their impact.

3. How can climate action be fair and inclusive?

Even with funding, major transformations risk deepening inequalities unless vulnerable communities are protected. Negotiators work to develop frameworks to ensure justice:

• A just transition agenda: promoting social justice, decent work and sustainable development. Countries expect a practical framework that is consistent with the realities of workers and local communities.

• Gender Action Plan: Guides the integration of a gender perspective into climate action. The first plan was adopted in 2017; An updated version is scheduled to be released at the climate conference in Belém.

Why does what happens in Belém matter?

The choices made in Belém will shape how the Paris Agreement moves from words to action, and whether global climate goals remain within reach.

Behind closed doors, the situation seems clear: time is short, and compromise is untenable. These decisions will not only affect the pace of emissions reductions, but will also affect whether justice is achieved for indigenous peoples, as well as Africa and developing countries, which bear the brunt of climate impacts even though they contribute the least to the crisis.