Climate change front and center as COP30 summit kicks off in Brazil

The 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference, commonly known as COP30, opened Monday in Belem, Brazil, with the aim of putting the fight against climate change back at the center of international priorities.

At the opening ceremony, COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev issued a rallying call to this year's participants to meet the goals of the climate summit held last year in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.

COP30 President Andre Correa do Lago thanked Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva for appointing him and reiterated that COP30 must present solutions.

Despite recent setbacks, the living conditions of populations around the world can and must continue to improve, Correa do Lago emphasized. "Science, education, culture are the path that we have to follow," he said.

Multilateralism is definitely the way forward in the fight against climate change, he said.

A series of topics, including climate adaptation, just transition and implementation of the Paris Agreement's global balance, are expected to be discussed at the event.

Delegations of over 190 countries and regions have registered to participate in the conference, which runs through to November 21, according to the COP30 presidency.

During the conference, in addition to participating in official events, China will also host multiple activities at the China Corner, sharing insights on its policies and know-how garnered from actively addressing climate change and accomplishing its goals.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement and a new round for submitting Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned the severe consequences brought by global warming on social and economic development at the Belem Climate Summit, ahead of the COP30.

"Every fraction of a degree means more hunger, displacement, and loss – especially for those least responsible," said Guterres, who made an urgent call for immediate, decisive actions and concerted efforts to combat climate change.

"We need to move faster – and move together. This COP must ignite a decade of acceleration and delivery," said Guterres.

(With input from Xinhua)