Belém's Streets Erupt with Calls for Climate Action at Cop30 Summit
Belém witnessed a powerful display of unity and determination as thousands of people took to the streets, demanding urgent action to combat the climate crisis. This significant protest marks the first major demonstration outside the annual climate talks since Cop26 in Glasgow four years ago. The last three gatherings, held in Egypt, Dubai, and Azerbaijan, faced challenges due to limited tolerance for public demonstrations.
The 'Great People's March' coincides with the halfway point of contentious negotiations and follows two Indigenous-led protests earlier in the week. As the sun shone brightly, a large group of indigenous protesters gathered beneath a massive inflatable globe, their faces painted and adorned with feathered headdresses. They chanted with purpose, awaiting the start of the march.
Among them was Raquel Wapichana, who traveled nine hours from Roraima. She carried a sign that read, 'Let's struggle.' Her message was clear: 'I stand here for my people, my land, our rivers, and our ancestors. We face constant threats from mining, agribusiness, and land invasions. Our survival demands action.'
One of the most haunting moments of the march was a 'funeral for fossil fuels.' A dozen mourners dressed in black gathered beneath two large ghoulish puppets and three enormous coffins inscribed with 'coal,' 'oil,' and 'gas.' Krishna, an actor from Belém, embodied a Victorian horror story figure with a black lace veil and umbrella. She passionately stated, 'Our lives and the future of our children depend on our struggle against fossil fuels. Through my art, I fight for a sustainable tomorrow.'
The march also featured anti-capitalist sentiments, with a large banner declaring, 'The environmental collapse is capitalist: Lula, the energy transition with Amazon oil is a farce.' The Spanish socialist anthem, Bella Ciao, echoed through the streets. Maria Melia, a member of the Quilombola Movement of Maranhão, joined the march, advocating for the Amazon and against a 'hydrovia' water transport project encroaching on her community's territory.
Support for Palestine was evident throughout, with flags and chants. Brazilian music filled the air, notably the popular track 'Anunçiação' by Alçeu Valença. As the summit progresses into its final week, the outcome remains uncertain. The Brazilian hosts have indicated their intention to focus on implementation rather than issuing a comprehensive decision, leaving the shape of this approach unclear.
Delegates are grappling with the 'big four' issues: climate finance, trade, transparency, and addressing the inadequacy of recent national climate plans. These discussions have been set aside for 'presidency consultations,' a separate agenda that emerged as countries attempted to agree on a schedule last Sunday, before the commencement of the two-week talks.
The 'Great People's March' is expected to continue for several hours, symbolizing the collective determination of the crowd to drive meaningful change at Cop30.
