Climate Action March in Brazil
On Sunday, a large group of leftist activists from numerous international organizations gathered in Belem, situated in Brazil’s Pará state. They marched through the streets, calling for immediate “climate action” amidst the ongoing COP30 climate change conference.
According to state-run media, about 70,000 people participated in the event. The protesters demanded an end to fossil fuels and urged wealthy nations to finance equitable green initiatives. Additionally, the crowd took the opportunity to criticize President Trump for his lack of action on global climate issues, alongside a variety of other familiar demands from the left.
This demonstration was organized in collaboration with two far-left groups, known as the “People’s Summit” and “COP Das Baishadas.” These groups are hosting parallel events during the COP30 conference, which runs from November 10 to 21 and is organized by the Brazilian government. A “People’s Summit” took place last week, with a closing session on Saturday.
During the march, participants humorously carried a coffin to symbolize a “funeral for fossil fuels,” representing oil, gas, and coal. Brazil’s Environment Minister, Marina Silva, and Indigenous Peoples Minister, Sonia Guajajara, notably joined in on the main vehicle of the rally.
Silva remarked, “After prior COPs, where social protests only occurred within UN confines, we can embrace open demonstrations in Brazil’s consolidated democracy. At COP30, diverse entities—margins, waters, cities, fields, and forests—should unite against climate change. Despite hurdles and contradictions, we must pursue a path towards a just transition and move away from fossil fuels.”
Members from the Socialism and Freedom Party also joined the leftist protest. Unfortunately, the heat in Belém reached a sweltering 89.6 degrees, making some participants feel unwell. Brazil, being in the southern hemisphere, is currently experiencing spring.
Eduard Giessen, from a participating leftist organization, stated, “We want to voice all demands from the People’s Summit. We must condemn ineffective solutions to climate change and halt oil development in the Amazon, as well as curtail the spread of fossil fuels globally.”
Reports indicated that some demonstrators chanted against President Trump, labeling him as the “orange plague” due to his opposition to U.N. climate policies and various controversial actions since the beginning of his second term. Some protesters also waved Palestinian flags and shouted “Liberate Palestine,” while others voiced opposition to amnesty proposals for individuals involved in January’s riots. Additionally, the Movement of Landless Rural Workers (MST) demanded land reform in Brazil.
Greenpeace, involved with the People’s Summit, actively participated in the rally, stressing the need for respect towards the Amazon and holding polluters accountable with a symbolic bill representing damage caused by major oil and gas companies.
The People’s Summit plans to deliver a letter to Brazil’s COP30 president, Andre Correa do Lago, expressing demands including acknowledgment of indigenous knowledge related to climate issues and efforts to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
