Can Belém Host a Successful and Inclusive COP30?

The shift towards clean energy, such as solar power, is accelerating globally. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres declares fossil fuel era is fading; presses nations for new climate plans before COP30 summit.

There is no question that most climate activists and governments were delighted when Brazil offered to host the 2025 UN Climate Conference, scheduled for this November.

Brazil has played a crucial role in shaping the sustainable development agenda. It hosted the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, which produced Agenda 21, the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, and agreements that led to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and the Forest Principles.

The Summit also triggered the creation of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development and the negotiation of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), leading to the grouping known as the “Rio Conventions.” It further set the stage for international treaties on straddling fish stocks, persistent organic pollutants, and prior informed consent for hazardous chemicals.

In 2012, Brazil hosted Rio+20, which upgraded UNEP’s governing body to the United Nations Environment Assembly and launched the process that resulted in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Clearly, Brazil has played a leading role in driving the global sustainability agenda.

Both the 1992 and 2012 UN conferences were held in Rio de Janeiro, partly because of the city's capacity to host large numbers of participants. In 1992, about 38,000 people attended, with an additional 16,000 attending the NGO Forum. Rio+20 drew over 45,000.

This time, however, Brazil has chosen Belém—located in the eastern Amazon—to host COP30. Symbolically, the decision is fitting. The Amazon rainforest is central to global climate efforts, and the location reflects Brazil’s commitment to protecting this vital ecosystem.

But the choice has raised concerns.

Many attendees at the UN’s preparatory meeting in Bonn expressed doubts about Belém’s capacity to host such a large event. The city reportedly has only 7,900 hotel rooms. The government is working to boost capacity using cruise ships (adding 4,000 rooms), short-term rentals (about 16,500 rooms), and converting schools into temporary lodging.

Even with these efforts, the available accommodations fall short of what a UN climate summit typically demands. COPs in recent years have drawn an average of 58,000 participants—well beyond Belém’s current capacity. Prices have already soared, with some rooms reportedly costing over $1,000 per night, which is unaffordable for small delegations, Indigenous groups, and NGOs.

In response, the Brazilian government has arranged cruise ships with 6,000 beds, some earmarked for developing-country delegates at subsidized rates. They are also converting venues, including “love hotels,” by removing furnishings like stripper poles to serve as regular hotels.

Still, concerns persist that Belém’s infrastructure may not meet the demands of COP30.

Some critics argue that COPs have become too large. Only a fraction of attendees participate directly in negotiations, and massive gatherings can overwhelm host cities.

But these large events also provide a vital platform for diverse voices—including activists, scientists, and Indigenous communities—to influence global climate discourse. COP30 could have been an opportunity to galvanize public momentum and strengthen global resolve.

Given Belém’s limitations, that potential may not be fully realized.

With COP30 now fixed in Belém, future host selections might benefit from a more transparent and structured process. For example, for the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development, South Africa invited cities to bid. A UN review determined that only Johannesburg could meet the logistical demands, and it was chosen accordingly.

A similar assessment mechanism—reviewing accommodation, transport, and venue capacity—could help future COP host countries and the UN avoid logistical pitfalls.

For COP31, Australia and Türkiye are top contenders. Australian cities like Sydney and Melbourne offer tens of thousands of rooms. Istanbul, Türkiye’s largest city, may have upwards of 200,000. These figures should guide future decisions.

Cities must also consider transportation networks, the availability of food (including vegetarian and vegan options), and conference venue sizes.

Brazil is also using COP30 to emphasize the implementation of climate agreements, not just negotiation. This includes initiatives within the official “Blue Zone” for showcasing real-world climate solutions.

Future presidencies should continue this focus. Accelerating implementation is essential to staying below the 2°C threshold—and ideally within 1.5°C—by century’s end. COPs should not only shape policies but inspire global action.

As Barack Obama once said:

“We are the first generation to feel the effect of climate change and the last generation who can do something about it.”