Global trade war tariffs and the US refusal to support the Paris Deal may severely set back progress at the 30th United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP 30) in Belem, Brazil, to be held this November, Brazil’s green minister, Marina Silva, has warned.
In a press conference, Silva expresses worries about economic and technological tensions between countries either cutting off resources and potentially undermining international cooperation on climate efforts. “Wars and trade wars affect the availability of resources and break the trust of nations. Less financial betting translates into less climate action,” she said.
While “just” another missed opportunity, COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, it was all but able to make good on the promise to deliver $1.35 trillion in annual climate finance by 2035 coming by $300 billion short. Silva has pointed out that despite difficulties, cooperation worldwide is vital. She said that developed countries have a greater responsibility, bearing in mind their historical responsibility for the problem of climate change. 
Though the US government positions itself as a laggard, subnational governments within the country are making independent, piecemeal efforts to reduce emissions nevertheless, and making some gains. She also highlighted Brazil’s initiative on ‘Global Ethical Stocktakes’ crafted to study the climate vulnerabilities at the regional level in advance of COP30.
Rio plans to bolster its climate talks with India in recognition of its growth into a demander of higher financial pledges from rich nations. “Multilateralism is difficult, but without multilateralism no progress is going to happen,” Silva concluded.
