Why Brazil for COP30?
Thirty-three years after the Rio Earth Summit and ten years after the Paris Agreement, the choice of Brazil as the host city carries deep symbolic weight.
The country has a unique energy profile: 90% of its electricity is low-carbon, and over 50% of its total energy mix already comes from renewables — a record within the G20, three times higher than the global average*. Hydropower, biomass, wind, and solar together form a coherent ecosystem that makes Brazil a model for energy transition.
Yet Brazil continues to invest in hydrocarbons, an illustration of the tension faced by all COP30 participants: how to accelerate the transition without jeopardizing economic growth?
What are the priorities of COP30?
Three major topics will shape the discussions at this key moment for multilateral climate action.
- National Climate Commitments
Countries will present their new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for 2035.
However, according to the latest UN synthesis report, current pledges would only cut global emissions by 10% by 2035 (compared to 2019 levels) — far from the 43% reduction needed by 2030 to keep the +1.5 °C target within reach.
- Adaptation and resilience
COP30 is widely viewed as the “COP of adaptation.” After years focused on emission reduction, the priority now is to help vulnerable nations cope with the already irreversible impacts of climate change such as rising sea levels, drought, biodiversity loss, and extreme weather.
A new global goal for adaptation finance is expected to be set.
- Energy and agricultural transitions
COP30 will highlight the concrete transformation of energy, food, and industrial systems.
Brazil has launched the Belém 4X Pledge, an international commitment to quadruple the production and use of sustainable fuels (biofuels, biogas, hydrogen, e-methane) by 2035.
Discussions will also focus on reducing methane and non-CO₂ gases, preserving tropical forests, and protecting Indigenous peoples recognized as the guardians of ecosystems.
Finally, an initiative led by Brazil’s National Confederation of Industry — the Sustainable Business COP (SB COP) — aims to structure and amplify the private sector’s contribution to climate negotiations.
Why is ENGIE present at COP30?
For ENGIE, COP30 is a natural continuation of our mission: turning the energy transition into concrete action.
Convinced that the cost of inaction is systemic with far-reaching consequences including climate damage, we are committed to addressing the challenges of this transition through infrastructure adaptation, developing flexibility assets, supporting households financially, and providing decarbonization solutions for hard-to-abate sectors.
Our vision is to accelerate the energy transition by leveraging all forms of decarbonized energy — particularly through the synergy between the electron and the molecule.
Two key highlights for ENGIE
The contribution of business to climate action
ENGIE is a direct contributor to the launch of the Sustainable Business COP (SB COP) — a platform designed to strengthen private-sector participation in international climate negotiations, fostering common approaches and actionable solutions.
Jean-Pierre Clamadieu, Chairman of ENGIE’s Board of Directors, plays a central role as Vice-Chair of the Energy Working Group.
His involvement reflects the Group’s commitment to bringing its expertise and on-the-ground experience to support a pragmatic and equitable energy transition.
