A potential turning point for climate action

By emphasising evidence-based progress, COP30 has the potential to mark a shift from aspirational commitments to actionable outcomes

- SRIVATSAN IYER

THIS YEAR, COP30 will convene in Belém, marking the first climate summit to be held in the heart of the Amazon.The location is symbolic: the Amazon represents both the urgency of the climate crisis and the potential for transformative solutions. This COP summit in Belém isa reminderthat climate action is ultimately about safeguarding life.

Shifting from commitment to implementation

The global climate dialogue is evolving. While past summits have focused on setting targets and making pledges, the emphasis is now shifting toward measurable outcomes. The following key questions are emerging: Which countries or regions are scaling clean technologies affordably? Who is investing in climate resilience? How is biodiversity being preserved alongside economic development?

The effectiveness of climate leadership will increasingly be assessed based on results rather than aspirations.

Technology & need for speed

Clean energy solutions like solar, wind, and battery storage have become more commercially viable and, in many cases, cost-competitive to new builds of conventional energy. In the Global South, these technologies are being rapidly deployed through large-scale infrastructure and decentralised systems like microgrids.