COP30 digs into toughest issues in last week

GOVERNMENT MINISTERS FROM around the world were preparing for a final few fraught days of talks at the UN climate summit as they bid to secure a deal that demonstrates global resolve amid increasing assertiveness from developing nations.

- LISANDRA PARAGUASSU

The job will not be easy. Countries are now digging into some of the toughest issues - many of which have been left off the formal agenda to ensure the talks keep moving even if one issue gets hung up.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is also expected to arrive on Wednesday to help rally consensus among parties at the summit in the Amazon city of Belem ahead of Friday's final scheduled session.

New dynamics in climate diplomacy have seen China, India and other developing nations flex more muscle this year, while the European Union is hobbled by weakening support back home and the once-dominant United States has skipped out altogether.