## COP30 fails to Prioritize People Over Profits, Despite Glimmers of Hope, Amnesty International Says
leaders at COP30 in Brazil failed to agree to place people over profits as a lack of unity, accountability and clarity chipped away at delivering the urgent and effective climate action needed, though there were some bright spots, Amnesty International said today at the end of the annual UN climate summit.
The headliner COP30 ‘Global Mutirão’ decision‘ intended to bring global consensus on a range of priority climate actions during this summit billed as the “COP of truth.” Yet the final document avoided any mention of fossil fuels, the primary driver of climate change, failing to build on or even to reaffirm the commitment to “transition away” from fossil fuels agreed upon in COP28.The fractious finale failed to garner consensus on a much-needed package including concrete plans for a fossil fuel phase out and an end to deforestation, as well as scaled up grants-based support for lower income countries.Climate finance provision is an obligation for high-income countries that lower income countries have for years been demanding be fulfilled, particularly to provide much more support to help them adapt to devastating current and future impacts of climate change for which they are not responsible, with needs estimated to be at least USD 300 billion per year.
“The COP30 Brazilian Presidency had vowed to ensure no one is left behind and every voice is heard and made strenuous efforts to broaden participation, which should be replicated.Yet the lack of participatory, inclusive, and obvious negotiations left both civil society and Indigenous Peoples, who answered the global joint effort call in large numbers, out of the real decision making. Simultaneously occurring,a record number of fossil fuel lobbyists at COP30 showed who had the real access,leaving humanity,especially those already the most marginalized,to suffer the deadly consequences of their plans to continue fossil fuel expansion and to be the ones to pump the last barrel of oil,” said Ann Harrison,Climate Justice Advisor at Amnesty International.
“Still, people power, including by Indigenous Peoples, among them those on whose ancestral lands the conference took place, was out in force. Refusing to surrender to setbacks,it was instrumental in achieving a commitment to develop a Just transition mechanism that will streamline and coordinate ongoing and future efforts to protect the rights of workers,other individuals and communities affected by fossil fuel phase out. We salute all those whose voices and actions led to this successful outcome and will be pushing for human rights, including of Indigenous peoples, to be respected and protected as the mechanism is developed.”
People power, including by Indigenous Peoples… was instrumental in achieving a commitment to develop a Just Transition mechanism… We salute all those whose voices and actions led to this successful outcome.
Ann Harrison, Climate Justice Advisor at Amnesty International
Systemic lack of inclusivity, compliance and accountability
Table of Contents
- Systemic lack of inclusivity, compliance and accountability
- Türkiye and Australia Urged to Champion Climate Justice as COP31 Approaches
- Calls for Decisive Climate Action and a Just Transition
- Prioritizing Inclusivity and Protecting Vulnerable Communities
- Hopeful Initiatives Outside the UNFCCC Process
- amnesty International’s Ongoing Monitoring
Following a trend set in recent COPs, much of the so-called Mutirao process at COP30 was conducted behind closed doors with state delegations only, thereby resulting in a lack of oversight by civil society who could not observe the proceedings. This lack of transparency, along with the fractious consensus process and unchecked influence of the fossil fuel industry, continues to pose basic problems and gives a stronger voice to calls for Türkiye and Australia Urged to Champion Climate Justice as COP31 Approaches
As Türkiye and Australia share presidency duties leading up to and following COP31, Amnesty International is calling on both nations to demonstrate strong climate leadership. This includes decisive action to meet international climate obligations, facilitating a full and fast phase-out of fossil fuels with adequate funding, and prioritizing adaptation support for vulnerable nations. The institution emphasizes the need for a human rights-centered approach to climate action, ensuring inclusivity and protecting the rights of all, particularly those most affected by the climate crisis.Calls for Decisive Climate Action and a Just Transition
Ann Harrison of Amnesty International stresses the importance of concrete steps from both countries. “Türkiye and Australia, who are sharing presidency duties, must demonstrate climate leadership by taking decisive and transparent actions to tackle climate change in line with their international obligations, as well as facilitating meaningful COP outcomes that actually deliver a full, fast, fair and funded fossil fuel phase out, and delivery of support for adaptation,” she stated.
This call for action aligns with the growing global consensus on the urgency of phasing out fossil fuels. The Intergovernmental Panel on climate change (IPCC) has repeatedly warned that limiting global warming to 1.5°C requires rapid and substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, primarily through the elimination of fossil fuels.
Prioritizing Inclusivity and Protecting Vulnerable Communities
Amnesty International highlights the necessity of an inclusive and accessible COP process, where the rights of all are protected. The organization specifically calls for centering the lived experiences and solutions of:
* Indigenous Peoples
* Affected Communities
* Women
* Children and Youth
* People of African Descent
* People Living with Disabilities
* Workers
Australia, in particular, is urged to fulfill its commitment to collaborate closely with Pacific nations, who are disproportionately vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels and extreme weather events. The Pacific Island Forum has consistently advocated for more ambitious climate action from developed nations and increased financial support for adaptation and loss and damage.
Hopeful Initiatives Outside the UNFCCC Process
Recognizing the challenges of achieving consensus within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) process, Amnesty International acknowledges the potential of initiatives occurring outside of COP. Colombia and the Netherlands are co-hosting the First International Conference on the Just Transition away from Fossil Fuels in April. This conference aims to bring together nations committed to a “fast, fair and fully financed” transition, protecting workers, communities, and rights holders.
This initiative will contribute to the development of two roadmaps under the Brazilian presidency: one focused on transitioning away from fossil fuels and another on ending deforestation.The Brazilian government has signaled a strong commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development.
amnesty International’s Ongoing Monitoring
“Amnesty will be following both sets of initiatives closely to ensure that human rights obligations are kept at the heart of the discussions,” Harrison affirmed. this underscores the organization’s commitment to ensuring that climate action is not only environmentally effective but also respects and protects the fundamental rights of all people.
Amnesty International’s focus on human rights in the context of climate change reflects a growing understanding that climate change is not just an environmental issue, but a fundamental threat to human rights, including the rights to life, health, food, water, and adequate housing.