The COP30 climate conference has officially opened in Brazil, marking a pivotal moment for global environmental policy as world leaders gather to address the escalating climate crisis.
Indigenous Voices at the People's Summit
While official delegations convened for the main conference in Belem, Indigenous communities made their presence felt at the parallel People's Summit. Their participation highlights the crucial role traditional knowledge plays in developing sustainable climate solutions.
In a striking visual contrast to the formal proceedings, local residents were photographed walking peacefully along the river at sunset in Belem, their silhouettes against the evening sky serving as a reminder of the communities most affected by climate decisions.
Colombia's Volcanic Remembrance
Beyond the conference halls, a solemn moment unfolded in Armero, Colombia, where Jose Rivera offered prayers before an image of the Virgin Mary painted on a tree. This poignant act of devotion came the day before the 40-year anniversary of the Nevado del Ruiz volcanic eruption that devastated the region.
The 1985 tragedy claimed approximately 25,000 lives and completely erased the town from the map, serving as a stark reminder of nature's destructive power and the importance of disaster preparedness in an era of climate uncertainty.
Visual Storytelling from Latin America
The curated collection of photographs, selected by Buenos Aires-based photographer Rodrigo Abd, captures the diverse narratives unfolding across the Caribbean and Latin America during the week of November 7-13, 2025.
These powerful images document both the formal climate discussions and the personal stories of communities living with environmental challenges, creating a comprehensive visual record of this significant moment in the global climate conversation.
