On the eighth day of COP30, high-level political discussions began in Belém, with artificial intelligence (AI) emerging as a prominent topic alongside climate negotiations. However, despite growing interest in AI’s potential role in climate solutions, overall progress remains slow amid urgent appeals from vulnerable nations for swift action to tackle the escalating climate crisis. Delegates say political intervention is now necessary to bridge divides on climate finance, adaptation, fossil fuel transition, gender, and equity.
After overcoming the technical hurdles of the first week, negotiators now face the task of breaking the deadlock on fossil fuel withdrawal, loss and damage funding, and global financing structures. The devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica—more than $10 billion in losses and widespread displacement in less than 24 hours—has intensified calls from poorer nations for wealthier countries to cut emissions and boost financial support. Cuba, Mauritius, and other island states said climate impacts have become their daily reality, insisting that responding to them is a “moral duty.”
UN climate chief Simon Stiell and Brazil’s COP leadership warned that every additional fraction of warming will have catastrophic consequences for human lives and the global economy. While negotiators have made progress on technical issues such as agriculture, food security, and disaster risk reduction funds, key elements of the talks—including carbon markets, gender dialogue, just transitions, and adaptation programmes—remain stalled. The most contentious issues—finance, trade, transparency, and the weakness of current NDCs—have seen little forward movement. Brazil’s COP presidency has issued a note offering possible guidance, including a roadmap for strengthening NDCs.
South Korea announced that it will phase out all coal-fired power plants by 2040 and join the Powering Past Coal Alliance. The decision by the world’s fourth-largest coal importer has raised serious concerns for Australia, which currently exports A$2.3 billion worth of coal to South Korea each year. Analysts warn that Korea’s shift could significantly impact Australia’s long-term fossil fuel export sector. The Australian Treasury estimates the country’s fossil fuel exports could fall by nearly half over the next five years.
Experts have urged Australia to invest in green industries—including low-carbon iron, aluminium, and critical minerals—using renewable energy. Australia has set a target of sourcing 82% of its electricity from renewables by 2030. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia continues to block COP30 decisions aimed at advancing a just transition. The UK, EU, and small island states have proposed a new report synthesising key scientific data to outline pathways for limiting global warming to 1.5°C, but Saudi Arabia and the African Group oppose including such information. Colombia, a member of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty initiative, has announced it will host the first international conference on ending fossil fuels next April.
More than 200 human rights and environmental groups have accused UN climate chief Simon Stiell of enabling state repression of indigenous peoples at COP30. In an open letter, they said his approach has contributed to a “chilling threat” for indigenous communities, environmental defenders, and civil society activists.
The strong presence of the industrial agriculture sector at COP30—held in the Brazilian Amazon—has raised concerns about the transparency and fairness of the talks. A report found that more than 300 lobbyists linked to deforestation and food production sectors are attending, a 14% increase from last year’s conference in Baku. Many are part of government delegations with privileged access to key negotiating spaces.
Researchers warn that without major reforms in livestock farming, industrial food systems, and pesticide use, the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C will be unattainable. Cattle ranching and industrial animal feed production continue to drive Amazon deforestation, contributing to water scarcity, land clearing, and biodiversity loss. Experts say a fair and climate-resilient food system cannot be built without curbing the influence of powerful agribusiness corporations.
Civil society activists at COP30 are wearing badges supporting the Belém Action Mechanism (BAM) as part of broader demands for climate justice. Although the concept of a Just Transition originated in labour movements, it now includes all sectors affected by climate policy—energy, minerals, agriculture, and frontline communities. While the Paris Agreement acknowledges Just Transition in its preamble, it does not require implementation. Supporters say BAM would help countries track progress, strengthen coordination, share technology, and support implementation, especially in low-income nations.
Indigenous representatives are present in the Blue Zone but remain largely confined to observer roles. Their demands include protecting the Amazon, ending fossil fuels, and resisting global monocultures, but they are often overshadowed by more influential national delegations. The killing of Guarani Kaiowá leader Vicente Fernandes Villalba on Sunday has once again highlighted Brazil’s longstanding pattern of violence against indigenous land and environmental defenders.
Climate finance remains a critical issue for developing countries. Bangladesh’s head of delegation, Farida Akhtar, called it a matter of “life and death,” urging that funds reach at-risk communities directly. Delays and debt-based proposals linked to last year’s $300 billion pledge have added to frustration. Stiell said there is “will but no momentum.” Brazil’s draft outline includes proposals to strengthen NDCs and transition away from fossil fuels, but major producer countries remain adamantly opposed. Disagreements persist over whether the final document should include the term “phase-out,” especially with more than 1,000 fossil fuel lobbyists attending COP30.
AI has become a major point of debate at COP30. Supporters argue that AI could help reduce global emissions by 3.2–5.4 billion tons over the next decade by improving agriculture, transport, energy management, weather forecasting, and disaster risk assessment. The UN and Brazil have launched a new AI Climate Institute to help developing countries deploy the technology for climate solutions.
But critics warn that the rapid expansion of generative AI is increasing electricity demand, water consumption, and emissions. A Cornell University study found that if AI continues on its current trajectory in the United States, it could add 44 million tons of CO₂ by 2030. Opponents argue that AI cannot replace the need to phase out fossil fuels and may even be used to expand oil extraction, worsening the climate crisis. They say that while “AI for good” initiatives have value, they remain part of a largely profit-driven industry.
