The thirtieth United Nations Climate Change Conference is set to take place in Belem, Brazil, drawing up to fifty thousand participants from nearly two hundred countries. With limited accommodation in the city, cruise ships and other unconventional options are being used to house attendees. The summit, described as the 'conference of truth' and 'conference of implementation,' comes amid mounting frustration over countries failing to meet climate commitments and the urgent need for financial support for vulnerable nations. Brazil aims to showcase leadership through a new fund to protect tropical forests, with a significant portion allocated to Indigenous communities, but questions remain about whether sufficient funding will be secured.

The Amazon's proximity underscores the importance of the location, as the region faces severe environmental challenges and local communities bear the brunt of climate impacts. The conference highlights the growing divide between wealthy and poorer nations over climate finance, adaptation, and emissions reductions. As major economies like Germany fall short of their climate goals and global cooperation is tested by geopolitical tensions, observers stress the need for concrete action and accountability rather than empty promises.