US Opts Out of COP30 Climate Conference as Latin American Leaders Bolster Regional Cooperation
The Trump administration declines to send representatives to Brazil’s COP30 climate conference amidst growing Latin American diplomatic collaboration.
- • US government will not send high-level representatives to COP30 in Brazil, a first in over 30 years.
- • President Trump prioritizes bilateral energy agreements focusing on fossil fuels and criticizes global climate policies.
- • Mexican President Sheinbaum requests Brazilian support for ethanol production and designates a representative for COP30.
- • US Embassy warns of logistical challenges and safety concerns for American attendees at COP30.
Key details
The United States has announced it will not send high-level representatives to the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), set to take place in Belém, Brazil from November 6 to 21, 2025. This decision, confirmed by the Trump administration, reflects a strategic shift towards prioritizing bilateral negotiations over multilateral climate commitments. President Trump endorses an "energy agenda" centered on expanding fossil fuels and nuclear energy exploration. Recently, the US finalized billion-dollar deals with the EU, Japan, and South Korea to boost imports of fossil fuels and strategic minerals. At the UN General Assembly, Trump criticized global environmental policies, warning, "If you do not abandon this green farce, your countries will fail."
In contrast, regional engagement remains active. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has called on Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for support in ethanol production and expressed interest in Brazil's social programs combating hunger and poverty. Sheinbaum appointed Mexico's Environment Minister Alicia Barcenas to represent Mexico at COP30. The two leaders celebrated the strong Brazil-Mexico partnership and committed to deepen cooperation.
Further logistical challenges await COP30 attendees, with the US Embassy advising American citizens to obtain a special COP30 visa, prepare for street closures, heightened security, and potential protests. Travelers are encouraged to register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for safety updates. This marks the first time in over 30 years the US will lack high-level representation at a UN climate conference, highlighting divergent approaches between the US and Latin American nations ahead of COP30.