COP30 climate summit: Germany's rolling course is causing international criticism

COP30 climate summit: Germany's rolling course is causing international criticism

The world is looking forward to the upcoming 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), which will take place in Belém, Brazil, from November 10th to 21st, 2025. Over 190 countries are represented, including heads of state, ministers and representatives from non-profit organizations as well as science and business. Against the backdrop of the global climate crisis, crucial questions are on the agenda while geopolitical circumstances are changing dramatically. daily news reports that the US, under the leadership of President Donald Trump, will not attend the conference, representing a weakening of international climate action.

One of the big challenges at this climate conference will be the discussion about national climate goals (NDCs). These voluntary commitments must be reviewed every five years, and the results of the current NDCs are considered sobering. In particular, the EU's changed climate targets, which now boast 90% fewer greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, raise questions. bpb.de notes that Germany wants to achieve a target of 88% fewer emissions by 2040, although economic conditions remain a decisive factor.

Germany's role at COP30

Germany is cautious in its current climate policy. Environment Minister Carsten Schneider praises the political orientation, which aims to keep global warming to below 3 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels, but the question of concrete financial commitments for climate protection, especially for the protection of the rainforest, remains unanswered. Germany has not made a clear contribution to the Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF), which is to be funded by Brazil with $1 billion. However, the federal government sees the fund as an interesting model, but first wants to clarify technical details. Critics accuse the German government of taking an uncertain course in climate policy. daily news highlights that this indecision could lead to an estimated credibility crisis both nationally and internationally.

COP30 is seen as a crucial moment for the global phase-out of coal, oil and gas. Unfortunately, there is little concrete progress in sight and scientists are pessimistic about achieving the 1.5 degree target, as global warming has already gone well beyond this limit. The world is targeting a temperature rise of 3.1 degrees unless immediate action is taken to curb emissions, according to a report from the UN Environment Program.

The way forward

It is clear: landmark decisions are to be made at COP30, and the forecasts are causing rapidly increasing concerns for the global economy and the environment. Brazil will play a key role in this conference, especially because protecting the Amazon rainforest is now more than ever a focus of the international community. There is currently discussion about expanding indigenous climate protection plans, which are to be supported with $125 billion to protect tropical rainforests. This could lead to a new dynamic in international climate protection. bpb.de thus presents itself as an important stage for the global climate dialogue.

So the future of climate policy could depend on what happens at this conference. What kind of change could Brazil bring and what impact will the non-participating USA have? You can be excited!