BELÉM, BRAZIL, Thursday 6 November 2025 – Ahead of the COP30 climate conference in Belém, Greenpeace Australia Pacific has called on world leaders meeting at the Leaders Summit today to act with courage and keep the 1.5C target front and centre of negotiations.
The COP30 UN climate conference commences in Belém, Brazil on Monday 10 November. It is expected to be the most significant meeting in recent years — the 10th anniversary of the landmark Paris Agreement and the midpoint in the critical decade for climate action globally.
The UNEP’s Emissions Gap Report 2025 released this week warned the world is heading towards “a serious escalation of climate risks and damages” due to a lack of ambition and action — putting the Paris Agreement limit of 1.5°C at risk in the short term.
Speaking from Belém, Shiva Gounden, Head of Pacific at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said: “As leaders meet in Belém on the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement, we ask them not to lose sight of the 1.5C goal. 1.5C is not just a figure; it’s a lifeline for Pacific communities and climate-vulnerable nations facing profound threats to our livelihoods, cultures, our very existence.
“The legal, moral, and political responsibility for climate action has never been stronger and the ambition leaders take to Belém will define its success.
“But good intentions are not enough. Governments are on notice after the Pacific-led climate victory at the International Court of Justice that delivered a clear message: countries are legally obliged to keep the world within 1.5°C, and more legal challenges will be coming if we continue down the path of fossil fuels.
“There must be no more free passes or subsidies for the fossil fuel industry or its billionaire backers driving the climate crisis. We urge leaders to act with courage and set a new course for our planet with renewed hope, and a commitment to justice and humanity above profit.
“The next 10 years must be defined by decisive action — our lives, our cultures and our future depends on it.”
-ENDS-
Greenpeace has a range of spokespeople on the ground in Belém, Brazil including Pacific leaders, climate and policy experts.
High res images for media use can be found here
For more information or interviews contact Kate O’Callaghan on +61 406 231 892 or [email protected]
