Brazil’s Climate Minister Calls for Multilateralism Amid Geopolitical Tensions
Brazil’s Climate Minister Marina Silva addresses the negative impact of geopolitical tensions on climate action, stressing that trust among nations is weakening. She acknowledges the US’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement as influential to Brazil’s goals for COP30. Silva calls for reforms in global governance and emphasizes the necessity of international cooperation to address significant global challenges such as health and climate change, highlighting the disappointment around previous climate summits.
Brazil’s Environment and Climate Minister, Marina Silva, spoke on the impact of geopolitical tensions on climate action during her visit to India for the World Sustainable Development Summit. She emphasized that ongoing conflicts, such as wars and trade disputes, are eroding trust between nations, making collaborative climate efforts increasingly challenging. Silva underscored that while multilateralism is currently facing difficulties, it remains the sole path forward for addressing global issues.
Silva noted that the United States’ decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement has implications for Brazil’s objectives at the upcoming UN climate conference in Belem. She expressed concern over the complex geopolitical landscape that creates a “triple negative effect” on climate progress, weakening resources and trust amid various regional conflicts and trade issues.
The minister warned that although temporary trade protectionist measures might seem beneficial short-term, they eventually contribute to economic instability, inflation, and food insecurity. Silva stressed that both health and climate change cannot be effectively tackled without international cooperation and warned against growing skepticism regarding multilateral efforts among countries, especially after the disappointing results from COP29 in Baku.
After COP29, Silva reported a general disappointment regarding the failure of developed nations to meet their commitments, impacting credibility and trust. Developed countries were expected to deliver substantial financial support for developing nations’ climate initiatives but offered only USD 300 billion by 2035, far less than the required USD 1.3 trillion annually from 2025, leaving many developing nations dissatisfied.
Despite challenges with multilateralism, Silva affirmed its necessity, advocating for reforms to enhance the UN’s effectiveness in global governance. She claimed the current global reality requires adaptable systems to tackle climate change efficiently. Addressing inquiries about the US’s departure from the Paris Agreement, Silva acknowledged its influence on COP30 yet remained firm that it would not deter Brazil from pursuing its climate action, aiming to bolster its initiatives in tackling inequality and enforcing meaningful implementation measures.
In conclusion, Brazil’s Environment and Climate Minister, Marina Silva, highlighted the detrimental impact of geopolitical tensions on international climate efforts. She affirmed the importance of multilateralism despite its current challenges and emphasized that comprehensive solutions for climate action cannot occur without collaboration among nations. The minister noted the significant influence of the United States on Brazil’s climate goals, while committing to strengthen Brazil’s efforts in combating climate change and inequality.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
