Brazil has reassured anxious governments that it has successfully arranged sufficient accommodations for the anticipated tens of thousands of attendees set to converge in Belém for the United Nations climate summit, COP30, this November. Despite concerns over the city’s high accommodation prices potentially deterring participants, the Brazilian authorities have committed to ensuring accessibility for all, particularly for developing nations and island countries.
Valter Correia, Brazil’s special secretary for COP30, announced a plan prioritizing the needs of these vulnerable nations. He stated, “What we are guaranteeing is that everyone can come at accessible prices. We can’t leave small countries out of this; it would be unthinkable.” To combat sky-high prices, Brazil is launching a dedicated booking platform that will feature over 1,500 rooms specifically for delegations from developing nations, with prices ranging from $100 to $220 per night.
In a stride toward accommodating the estimated 45,000 attendees, Correia mentioned that more than 30,000 rooms have already been identified, exceeding the United Nations’ original projection of 20,000 necessary accommodations. Authorities are optimistic that demand will be met as additional options such as river cruise cabins—3,900 beds on two cruise ships—are introduced to the mix.
The choice of Belem as the host city emphasizes the critical importance of the Amazon rainforest in climate discussions. However, civil society groups raised alarms months prior about the lack of sufficient housing options. Correia acknowledged these concerns and stated that his office is actively working against price gouging in the local market.
Further, Brazil’s COP30 president, André Aranha Corrêa do Lago, expressed a vision of transformative climate action emphasizing the necessity of fostering inclusive dialogues and concrete outcomes during the summit. This aligns with calls from Indigenous groups, who brought their demands for increased representation and action against fossil fuel use to the forefront, hoping to influence policy at COP30.
Overall, while challenges remain in accommodating all potential attendees and ensuring equitable access, there exists a tangible sense of optimism about the outcomes that COP30 can yield, particularly with heightened focus on collaborative action against climate change and support for vulnerable populations around the globe. As the summit approaches, many hope it will catalyze meaningful reforms and commitments towards sustainable practices and global unity in addressing the climate crisis.
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