World leaders at the COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil, have sharply criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's rejection of climate science and policies, even as he remains absent from the proceedings.
The two-week gathering, hosted in the Amazonian city, focuses on negotiating enhanced climate action, including increased funding for forest protection amid waning international consensus.
Notable absences include leaders from the United States, China, India, Russia, and Canada, underscoring challenges in achieving unified commitments.
Several heads of state directly addressed Trump's stance during Thursday's speeches.
Chilean President Gabriel Boric labeled Trump's denial of human-caused climate change a lie, emphasizing the need for science-based discussions.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro went further, declaring, “Mr. Trump is against humankind,” while advocating for an economy free of oil and natural gas.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva warned against “extremist forces that fabricate fake news on climate for political gain,” urging a roadmap to overcome fossil fuels.
Chile's Environment Minister Maisa Rojas reinforced this, stating to the BBC, "The science is very clear. It is very important not to falsify the truth."
These remarks highlight frustration with U.S. rollbacks, including Trump's second withdrawal from the 2015 Paris Agreement and promotion of coal, oil, and gas.
A White House spokesperson defended the position, asserting that President Trump will not allow the best interest of the American people to be jeopardized by the Green Energy Scam.
The U.S. has also pressured allies to delay a global carbon tax on shipping, drawing support from some European Union members.
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer acknowledged the erosion of global unity on climate issues, noting that the consensus once driving the Paris deal has faded.
He affirmed the UK's commitment, declaring, "My message is that the UK is all-in," while warning that disengagement would raise energy costs and forfeit industrial opportunities.
However, the UK opted out of the $125 billion Tropical Forests Forever Facility, a fund aimed at protecting rainforests like the Amazon and Congo Basin, which store vast carbon reserves and host half of Earth's species.
This decision surprised Brazilian hosts, who sought $25 billion in public contributions, and drew ire from former UK Environment Minister Lord Zach Goldsmith, who described it as causing real frustration.
Prince William, addressing the summit, praised the fund as “a visionary step toward valuing nature's role in climate stability” and urged urgent optimism for future generations.
China's Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang highlighted his nation's adherence to commitments, calling for collaboration on green technology and removal of trade barriers.
Recent extreme weather, including Hurricane Melissa's deadly strike on the Caribbean with intensified rainfall linked to climate change, underscores the summit's urgency.
As negotiations intensify from Monday, questions loom over financing for climate-impacted nations and emission reduction plans, with many countries yet to submit updated targets.