On Tuesday, Brazil will declare that Ambassador Andre Correa do Lago will preside over the 2025 COP30 global climate summit in Belem, a major Amazonian city. This decision, made by three people with knowledge of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s plans, highlights the country’s commitment to climate diplomacy.
Correa do Lago, a seasoned diplomat, has represented Brazil in global climate summits since 2023, having previously held this position from 2011 to 2013. With almost two decades of experience in climate diplomacy and sustainable development, his selection exemplifies the Brazilian government’s preference for seasoned leadership.
As COP30 president, Lago will serve as the primary facilitator and mediator between country delegations, overseeing negotiations to limit global warming below catastrophic levels. This function is regarded as critical, especially given recent record-breaking temperatures.
Hosting COP30 in Belem emphasises Brazil’s attempts to educate global leaders about the Amazon’s importance in climate debates. However, hurdles loom, including expanding accommodation in Belem to accommodate visitors.
President Lula has committed to eliminating Amazon deforestation and believes the meeting is critical to Brazil’s global climate leadership. “Why not host it in an Amazonian state, so you can truly know what the Amazon is?” he said during COP27 in Egypt.
