‘Had to overhaul infra, spend $1.2bn to ensure COP is hosted in Amazon’

As India prepares to host the UN Climate Change Conference in 2028, Brazil’s experience in staging COP30 in the Amazon offers both encouragement and a sobering reality check: expect to spend upwards of $1.2 billion in federal funds alone and devote years to preparation.

- Jayashree Nandi

India formally expressed its intention to host COP33 in 2028, with the Union environment ministry establishing a dedicated COP33 cell under its Climate Change Division in July to address the specialised requirements. The World Economic Forum has said a COP in India “would highlight how development and decarbonisation can advance together, rather than in conflict” and “embodies the global south’s determination to shape its climate destiny”.

But what will it actually take for an Indian city to pull off the massive logistical feat? “Work together and believe you can do this,” said Jader Barbalho Filho, Brazil's minister for cities, in an interview. “A lot of people from outside of Brazil and inside of Brazil did not believe that Belem could host a COP. And you see what happened here now.”