During the COP30 session in Belém, Brazil, Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne issued a compelling appeal to global leaders, urging them to elevate their climate ambitions and fulfill long-standing commitments. Browne emphasized that small island nations remain disproportionately vulnerable to the escalating climate crisis. Despite a notable decline in attendance—with only 57 heads of state or government present compared to over 150 at previous summits—Browne stressed the importance of achieving tangible outcomes. He attributed the lower turnout to logistical challenges, including Belém’s remote location and the high costs of travel, which even extended his own journey to nearly 30 hours. Financial constraints further compelled some nations, including Antigua and Barbuda, to reduce delegation sizes. However, Browne praised the dedication of those in attendance, highlighting their genuine commitment to advancing climate action. He warned that the world is nearing the critical threshold of a 1.5°C temperature rise, which could trigger irreversible damage and intensify extreme weather events. Browne called for swift updates to national climate plans and urged major emitters to drastically reduce emissions. Addressing the criticism of unfulfilled promises from past COP summits, Browne advocated for a cultural shift, emphasizing the need for societal accountability to drive meaningful change. He welcomed early progress at COP30, including Norway’s pledge to support Brazil’s Amazon rainforest conservation efforts, and expressed hope for stronger commitments on ambition, finance, and accountability. The summit continues this week with a renewed focus on implementing the Paris Agreement and bolstering support for climate-vulnerable nations.
‘Time is running out’: Browne issues climate warning in High House COP30 session
