Global | The inertia of climate summits is not enough

Summary

COP30 leaves mixed feelings. The good news is that, even in a climate of global geopolitical fragmentation, there remains a forum where, despite the notable absence of the United States and its contrarian stance, decisions continue to be reached through global consensus.

Key points

• Key points:
• The bad news is that climate consensus, which is voluntary and lacks legal force, is progressing only at the pace set by the least ambitious countries, which therefore must be pushed along. And this is despite the Paris Agreement having marked a turning point in global climate ambition.
• All in all, as the UN points out, current climate mitigation policies and announced commitments are consistent with lower future temperatures than expected 10 years ago, although still clearly above the Paris goal.
• The Brazilian COP Presidency pushed for a pragmatic approach, a "COP of implementation" rather than ambition, seeking modest but verifiable progress.
• There have been modest advances in climate adaptation, most evident in Article 6 (international trading of carbon credits), financing, and just transition initiatives. However, some of them are pending details to be adopted throughout 2026.
• In terms of mitigation and ambition, 122 countries have submitted medium- and long-term national emission reduction targets (Nationally Determined Contributions), but in many cases these lack enforcement mechanisms and strengthened objectives.

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