A Round-Up of COP30

COP30 in Belém was billed as the summit where climate action would shift from ambition to execution. For two weeks, negotiators, activists and experts gathered in the Amazon with a shared goal. Yet despite a bold agenda and some important announcements, the final outcomes fell short of the urgency we face.

At True Group, we believe in clarity over spin. So here’s a no-nonsense summary of what mattered, what missed the mark and what it means for business leaders who care about action over applause.

Week 1: Signals of Progress

The first few days were filled with optimism. For the first time, COP opened with action on climate finance and resilience. It was clear from the start that this COP wanted to focus on implementation. Here's what stood out:

• Loss and Damage Fund goes live
  This is a financial mechanism designed to support developing countries already experiencing the worst effects of climate change, like rising sea levels, floods or droughts. On Day 1 of COP30, it became operational and issued its first call for proposals. After years of negotiation, this was a real milestone for climate justice.
• Indigenous protests dominate early days
  On Day 2, Indigenous activists stormed the conference, and on Day 5 they blockaded the main venue entrance for hours. Their protests highlighted opposition to Amazon infrastructure projects that threaten their land. By the end of the summit, Brazil had announced the recognition of two new Indigenous territories.
• First ever declaration on climate disinformation
  A formal agreement was signed to combat the spread of false and misleading information about climate science. This aims to counteract lobbying and media narratives that delay real progress.
• Forests funding falls short
  Brazil launched the 'Tropical Forests Forever Facility' to transform forest conservation financing. But with only a fifth of the funding target pledged and a notable lack of UK support, it failed to build momentum.
• Health takes a front seat
  The Belem Health Action Plan was adopted, the first international climate plan focused on protecting public health. It was developed with and overseen by the WHO. Philanthropic groups followed up with $300 million of funding through the Climate and Health Funders Coalition.

Week 2: Hard Realities and Hesitations

The second week was slower and filled with compromise. While some funding and policy steps were agreed, the bigger issues, especially fossil fuels, remained unresolved.

• No deal on fossil fuel phase-out
  Brazil’s final agreement, called the Global Mutirão, avoided any mention of moving away from oil, gas or coal. Instead, a separate voluntary initiative was launched by a small group of countries, who will meet again next year to continue the conversation.
• Adaptation finance increase but pushed back
  Developed countries agreed to triple climate adaptation finance to help vulnerable nations prepare for climate impacts. But the target year was moved from 2030 to 2035. A win, but not as timely as many hoped.
• No global plan to stop deforestation
  Despite being hosted in the Amazon, COP30 failed to include a commitment to end deforestation. The forest finance facility’s weak fundraising showed a lack of political urgency.
• Most countries missed the mark on climate plans
  Countries are expected to bring new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), updated national climate strategies, to each COP. Most didn’t. And those who did brought targets that experts say are too weak. No new system was agreed to strengthen or enforce the process.

So What Now?

The takeaway from COP30 is clear. While progress is being made, it’s too slow and too uncertain to rely on. The decisions that really matter about cutting emissions, building resilience and investing wisely aren’t being made in conference halls. They’re being made in boardrooms.

At True Group, we give businesses the insight and tools to act now. We help you understand your energy position, evaluate sustainability projects with confidence and build a strategy that works both commercially and environmentally.

If you want your business to lead, rather than wait, we’re ready to help. Speak to the True Crew today.