Anna Júlia Lopes*
Ambassador André Corrêa do Lago, president of COP30 (30th United Nations Conference on Climate Change), called for the private sector to be part of the COP Action Agenda and to make “even greater progress” in the climate transition. The appeal was made in the 7th Letter from the Presidency of the conference, released on Friday (29).
“The private sector has already accelerated the transition in significant ways, but now it needs to go even further, increasing its engagement to make this transformation an exponential reality,” Corrêa do Lago wrote. In the document, he called on “all business leaders” to join the world in Belém, where the conference will be held in November.
The letter emphasizes that companies that anticipate climate change will prosper by seizing the opportunities offered by the ongoing transition. The ambassador defined COP30 as a decisive moment for business, in which the private sector, together with other actors, will be able to shape the future global economy based on the climate transition, which will reshape growth, jobs and investments.
“To fully realize the potential of the Climate Action Agenda, the COP30 Presidency sees the private sector as a beneficiary of the climate transition and an indispensable partner in driving its implementation,” it said. The COP30 Presidency said it is mapping initiatives proposed at previous conferences – many of them led by the private sector – to identify synergies and fill gaps in the negotiations.
Corrêa do Lago said that, with the participation of companies, climate-related risks will be assessed so that “credible” transition plans can be adopted. The ambassador also said that, as countries draw up their NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions), companies must be prepared to act in this transformation. “It is through this alignment that public-private collaboration will be able to achieve the scale and urgency that the climate crisis demands,” he added.
Climate action is defined as the “main business opportunity of our time” and the letter argues that, in Belém, the private sector will have the opportunity to engage in discussions with solutions, partnerships and investments.
“Going to Belém is an opportunity to roll up our sleeves, listen, learn and add to the collaborative spirit of the Global Task Force. These critical dialogues should take place not only where it’s easy, but above all where it matters most,” Corrêa do Lago stressed.
*IPAM journalist, anna.rodrigues@ipam.org.br
Image credit: Rafael Medelima/COP30