By Anders Lorenzen

In separate media events, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio ‘Lula’ da Silva, have appealed to countries to put their differences aside and unite around a global agreement at COP30, scheduled to be completed tomorrow.

Guterres emphasised what is at stake: “We are down to the wire, and the world is watching Belém,” he stated.

Earlier, Lula had argued, “I would like to tell you something extremely important: leaders who govern today must understand that if we do not act according to the aspirations of the people, youth, and women, we risk putting democracy, multilateralism, and credibility at stake.”

The intervention came as there appears to be a huge bridging gap between countries, and despite over 80 countries having signed the roadmap to transition away from fossil fuels, this is less than half of the countries participating that did not want to sign up to that statement. 

We must agree to transition away from fossil fuels

“Oil companies must pay part of this. Mining companies must pay part of this. Those who earn large fortunes must pay part of this—otherwise the poorest people on Earth will suffer most: the islands, the poor in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Everyone must understand their responsibility.

That is why we introduced the Roadmap. We must show society that we are serious—without imposing anything on anyone, without setting deadlines. Each country has the sovereignty to determine what it can do within its timeframe and capacities, but we must show seriousness,” Lula added as he explained why it is critical that the transition away from fossil fuels must be part of the final agreement.

No time for denial or delay

Guterres stressed there can be no time for delay tactics or climate denial, “After decades of denial and delay by many, science tells us that a temporary overshoot above 1.5 degrees – starting at the latest in the early 2030s – has become inevitable.”

A similar rhetoric was echoed by Lula, as he underlined, “The climate issue is no longer an academic matter for a few intellectuals or environmentalists. The climate crisis is now extremely serious and threatens humanity.  I hope one day to convince the President of the United States that the climate crisis is serious, that green development is necessary.”

“You must come together and find common ground”

In a direct appeal to countries, Guterres urged, “all delegations to show willingness and flexibility to deliver results that protect people and keep 1.5 degrees alive.”

He also added that it was essential that a global agreement included” A fair outcome – concrete on funding adaptation, credible on emission cuts, bankable on finance.”

He fully acknowledges it is not an easy task to overcome the large bridging gaps and divisions, adding, “That demands compromise and common ground. It demands courage. No delegation will leave Belém with everything it wants… But every delegation has a duty to reach a balanced deal.”

Anders Lorenzen is the founding Editor of A greener life, a greener world.