Overview
- Brazil opened the two‑week summit in Belém with a call for unity and brokered an agenda, while signaling a shift toward smaller implementation deals over a single end‑conference declaration.
- The United States is absent at the leadership level after President Donald Trump moved to exit the Paris Agreement, prompting concern over a leadership and funding gap even as some U.S. states and lawmakers attend.
- A new UN assessment estimates current pledges would cut emissions about 12% by 2035 from 2019 levels, far below the roughly 60% reduction scientists say is needed, with most countries missing updated NDC deadlines.
- Fossil‑fuel negotiations remain fraught as Lula’s proposed “roadmap” lacks detail and major oil producers resist stronger phase‑out language, reducing chances of consensus on tougher commitments.
- Forest and finance initiatives headline the talks, including Brazil’s Tropical Forests Forever Facility and a $2.5 billion Congo Basin effort, while Indigenous leaders demand stronger protections and funding still lacks clear sources.