Day Four of COP30: A Turning Point for Global Climate Responsibility

By Professor Dr Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder

The ongoing COP30 conference in Belém has emerged as a crucial platform for world leaders to accelerate efforts to address the global climate crisis. As deforestation, heatwaves, and fossil fuel emissions intensify worldwide, limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius has become humanity’s most urgent challenge.

Delegates are now focusing on implementing Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, discussing carbon markets and mechanisms for international cooperation.

Global Commitment to Combat Climate Disinformation

On Wednesday, November 12, a groundbreaking declaration titled “The Declaration on the Integrity of Climate Change Information” was released—marking the first formal global pledge to fight climate disinformation.

Twelve countries, including Brazil, Canada, Chile, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Uruguay, the Netherlands, and Belgium, have signed the document. The declaration calls for promoting accurate climate information, protecting environmental science and journalism, and working with technology companies to curb misinformation and irresponsible advertising.

A recent study by the Coalition Against Climate Disinformation and the Observatory for Information Integrity found that climate-related disinformation surged by 267% between July and September 2025.

Fossil Fuels, Conflict, and the Military’s Carbon Footprint

Research by the UK-based Conflict and Environment Observatory revealed that global militaries contribute at least 5.5% of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions—making the military sector the fourth-largest carbon emitter, after Russia, China, the United States, and India.

The report also noted that the Global North spends 30 times more on defence than on climate finance, with global military expenditure expected to reach $2.7 trillion by 2024. Experts urged world leaders to include full accounting of military emissions in national climate commitments.

Al Gore Criticises Climate Backsliding in the US

Former US Vice President Al Gore warned that billionaire Bill Gates may be softening his climate stance due to political pressure from Donald Trump. Gore called Gates’ new position “stupid” and accused Trump of undermining the US economy by reversing progress on renewable energy and favouring fossil fuels.

He said China had now overtaken the US in global green technology exports, largely due to Washington’s weakened climate policies.

Renewables Set to Dominate Energy Mix

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), renewable energy is on track to become the world’s dominant energy source within a decade, making the shift away from fossil fuels “inevitable.”

The IEA projected that more renewable capacity will be installed in the next five years than in the past 40 combined. This growth will help meet the surging power demand from electric vehicles, air conditioning, and AI data centres.

Global data centre investment is expected to reach $580 billion by 2025, surpassing oil supply spending. Experts reiterated that a rapid and equitable fossil fuel phase-out is the only path to a sustainable future.

Rising Emissions and Limited Impact of New Pledges

Despite the expansion of renewables, fossil fuel emissions continue to rise—by an average of 0.8% per year over the past decade. The Global Carbon Project predicts another 1% rise in 2025.

If current trends persist, global temperatures could soar 2.6°C above pre-industrial levels by century’s end, warns the Climate Action Tracker—well beyond the Paris Agreement target. Scientists fear this would trigger devastating consequences, including coral reef collapse, ice-sheet melting, and irreversible damage to the Amazon rainforest.

So far, only 100 countries have updated their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), a key barrier to achieving global climate goals.

Bangladesh Pavilion Session Highlights Cooperative Solutions

At the Bangladesh Pavilion, a special session titled “Article 6 of the Paris Agreement: Pathways to Emission Reduction” explored carbon markets, international cooperation, and practical strategies for emissions reduction.

The session was chaired by Mohammad Navid Shafiullah, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, and moderated by Md Ziaul Haque, Additional Director General of the Department of Environment.

Panelists Sharif Jamil and Md Ali Ahmed shared regional and global insights. The event also saw the launch of the magazine “Nature and Climate Change.” Discussions underscored the importance of transparent carbon trading and cooperative mechanisms under Articles 6.2 and 6.4—enhancing Bangladesh’s leadership in global climate diplomacy.

Indigenous Voices and Global Leadership

A flotilla of over 100 boats carrying 5,000 indigenous activists, forest defenders, and civil society representatives arrived in Belém to coincide with COP30, demanding climate justice.

Around 50 world leaders attended the summit’s opening, though many departed after initial sessions. Notably absent were leaders from China, India, and US President Donald Trump.

Scientists warn the Amazon rainforest is nearing a tipping point that could transform it from a carbon sink into a carbon source. Keeping global warming below 1.5°C remains vital to prevent such a catastrophe.

The Road Ahead

As COP30 enters a decisive phase, the world faces a defining test of collective resolve. Whether the commitments made in Belém translate into meaningful action will determine the future of global climate responsibility.

[The writer is a Dean, Faculty of Science; Professor, Department of Environmental Science, Stamford University Bangladesh]