Thu Nov 20 01:37:05 UTC 2025: ## Lula Seeks Climate “Roadmap” at COP30, But Divisions Remain
Belém, Brazil – Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is urging nations to forge a unified path towards a fossil fuel-free future at the COP30 summit in Belém, but deep divisions on key issues like climate finance and the pace of transition are hindering progress.
Speaking at the summit, which has been overshadowed by the absence of the United States, Lula emphasized the need for international collaboration and a shared “roadmap” for climate action, stating that the approach must be inclusive and respect each country’s individual capabilities. He made these remarks after meeting with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to seek a deal that would bridge contentious issues.
“We need to show society that we want this without imposing anything on anyone, without setting deadlines for each country to decide what it can do within its own time, within its own possibilities,” Lula told reporters.
Despite positioning himself as a champion of both climate action and Global South cooperation, Lula is facing challenges in reconciling differing national priorities. Scientists are warning that the failure to quickly end fossil fuel use will result in catastrophic climate change.
A letter signed by seven leading scientists advising the COP30 presidency stressed that a real roadmap “needs to show us the way from where we are to where we need to be, and how to get there.”
Beyond the US absence, hesitation from other powerful nations to commit to ambitious goals further complicates matters. India, for example, has criticized the insufficient action of wealthier nations, who bear the historical responsibility for the majority of emissions.
Indian Environmental Minister Bhupender Yadav, while acknowledging the urgency of climate change, suggested India might delay submitting its climate plan until December. He also noted the challenges to renewable tech advancement in the developing world, echoing the demands by poor countries to lower these barriers.
The COP30 summit continues as delegates grapple with the urgency of the climate crisis and the complexities of forging a unified, effective global response.
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