A significant fire broke out at the United Nations COP30 climate summit in Belem, Brazil, on Thursday, causing major disruption and forcing the evacuation of the entire conference site just as negotiators were entering the final, critical stages of talks.
Emergency Evacuation Halts Negotiations
The blaze tore through an area of pavilions known as the Blue Zone, where many sideline events are held. Officials were quick to confirm that the fire has not resulted in any injuries. While organisers announced the fire was brought under control, fire officials took the precautionary measure of ordering a full site evacuation to conduct comprehensive safety checks.
It remained unclear when the vital conference business, aimed at addressing the global climate crisis, would be able to resume. The incident created a dramatic pause in proceedings that were already running behind schedule.
Guterres's Urgent Plea for Compromise
Just hours before the fire ignited, UN Secretary-General António Guterres had delivered a stark address to delegates. He urged countries to compromise and "show willingness and flexibility to deliver results," even if the final agreements fall short of the strongest measures desired by some nations.
"We are down to the wire and the world is watching Belem," Guterres stated, calling on negotiators to engage in good faith during the two remaining scheduled days. The talks had already missed a self-imposed deadline on Wednesday for progress on key issues.
He highlighted the urgency by pointing to "communities on the front lines... counting flooded homes, failed harvests, lost livelihoods." Guterres asserted, "They've heard enough excuses and demand results." On the most contentious issues—including detailed plans to phase out fossil fuels and financial aid to poorer nations—the UN chief said he was "perfectly convinced" that a compromise was achievable.
International Tensions and Financial Demands
The fire disruption occurred against a backdrop of significant international tension. When asked about US President Donald Trump, who has withdrawn the world's second-largest carbon polluter from the climate talks, Guterres's message was simple: "We are waiting for you."
Guterres was more forceful regarding the responsibilities of wealthy nations, reiterating his call to triple adaptation finance from £30.6 billion a year to £91.7 billion a year to assist vulnerable countries. The delivery of overall financial aid, targeting £2290.4 billion annually, is one of four key interconnected issues that have proven difficult to resolve.
More than 80 countries are pushing for a concrete 'road map' on transitioning away from fossil fuels, building on a general agreement made two years ago in Dubai. With the conference frequently overrunning, all eyes are on Belem to see if a meaningful deal can be salvaged in the final hours.
