Archive · 16 Nov 2025
Thousands March at COP30 Demanding Climate Action, Negotiators Grapple with Key Issues
Imagine the world is having a big meeting in Brazil called COP30 to talk about how to take care of our planet.
While grown-ups inside are talking about plans, thousands of people, including people from Indigenous communities, marched outside to say they want the grown-ups to do more, faster.
They held colorful signs and made lots of noise to show they want an end to cutting down trees and using fuels that harm the air.
They also want to make sure the land where Indigenous people live is respected.
Inside, the people talking are trying to turn old promises into real actions to stop the Earth from getting too hot.
Some big questions, like how much money to spend on helping the planet and how to stop using those harmful fuels, are still hard to agree on.
The leaders are thinking about how to get everyone to say 'yes' to a final plan.
Thousands of climate protesters marched in Belem, Brazil, during the COP30 summit demanding greater action against climate change.
Protesters included Indigenous people calling for land rights and a transition away from deforestation and fossil fuels.
Negotiators inside the COP30 summit are moving into the political phase, with ministers set to address remaining obstacles to climate action.
Key controversial issues such as climate finance and phasing out fossil fuels remain unresolved and are being discussed outside formal processes.
The COP30 presidency is considering whether to attempt a comprehensive political agreement, known as a 'cover decision', that requires unanimous endorsement from all countries.
- Who
- Thousands of climate protesters (including Indigenous groups, youth activists, civil society organizations) and COP30 negotiators and ministers.
- What
- Thousands of climate protesters marched outside the COP30 summit demanding urgent action, while negotiators worked inside to address obstacles and controversial issues in the talks.
- When
- Saturday, during the second week of the COP30 climate summit.
- Where
- Belem, Brazil, with protests occurring on the streets outside the summit venue.
- Why
- Protesters sought to pressure governments and fossil fuel industries for more action on climate change and land rights, while negotiators aimed to finalize agreements and overcome political obstacles.
Protesters' Demands and Actions
Negotiators' Progress and Challenges
Goals and Messaging
Protesters' Demands and Actions
Protesters, including Indigenous groups and youth activists, marched to demand greater action and express frustration with governments and fossil fuel industries. They aimed to draw up a roadmap for a transition away from deforestation and fossil fuels, with Indigenous participants emphasizing land rights and respect for nature.
Negotiators' Progress and Challenges
Negotiators were working to turn climate pledges into concrete measures to curb global temperature rises and support affected communities. The focus is on translating years of promises into tangible progress, with the second week of talks entering a political phase where ministers will address remaining obstacles.
Methods of Engagement
Protesters' Demands and Actions
Protests involved thousands marching through Belem in noisy, colorful, and peaceful demonstrations, singing, playing instruments, and waving banners. Earlier in the week, there were instances of Indigenous activists attempting to force entry and a peaceful sit-in blocking access.
Negotiators' Progress and Challenges
Negotiators engaged in detailed discussions to 'thrash out progress' on a 'sprawling summit agenda.' The process is described as 'often inch-by-inch,' aiming to build on progress made in previous years.
Key Issues and Outcomes
Protesters' Demands and Actions
Protesters demanded an end to deforestation and fossil fuel use, and greater land rights, advocating for a transition away from these practices.
Negotiators' Progress and Challenges
Controversial issues like increasing climate finance, moving away from fossil fuels, and addressing emission reduction shortfalls are being discussed outside formal processes. The COP30 presidency is considering whether to propose a 'cover decision' that requires endorsement by all nations.
- Summit Location
- Belem, Brazil
- Summit Name
- COP30
- Protest Date
- Saturday
- Protester Groups
- Indigenous groups, youth activists, civil society organizations
- Protesters' Demands
- Greater action on climate change, transition away from deforestation and fossil fuels, stronger land rights
- Negotiation Phase
- Entering the political phase, with ministers to address remaining obstacles.
- Key Unresolved Issues
- Climate finance, moving away from fossil fuels, addressing emission reduction shortfalls
