5 Unforgettable moments At COP30
COP30 may be over, but these 5 unforgettable moments from Belém will live on—etched in the memories of those who spoke up for a livable planet.
1. COP Fire and Solidarity
On November 20, 2025, a fire broke out in the pavilions housing the COP30 climate summit in Belém, forcing the evacuation of thousands of delegates, journalists, and activists from the Blue Zone. The blaze caused chaos as smoke filled corridors, but emergency services extinguished the fire within six minutes, treating several individuals for smoke inhalation. The incident disrupted negotiations but also brought out a spirit of solidarity, with attendees supporting one another during the evacuation and continuing talks soon after.
2. 30,000+ March the Streets of Belém
On November 14, tens of thousands of protesters, including Indigenous leaders, youth activists, and global campaigners, marched through Belém in what became the largest mobilization of COP30. The demonstration, organized by the People’s Summit, demanded an end to fossil fuels, stronger protection for the Amazon, and an end to destructive mining and oil exploration. Protesters also called for safeguarding Indigenous territories and ensuring that the voices of affected communities were reflected in the official negotiations.
3. Amazonians Community Block COP Venue Entrance
Indigenous groups, led by the Munduruku people, blocked the main entrance to the COP30 venue for about 90 minutes, demanding representation and a voice in climate negotiations. Their key demands included halting commercial river development, stopping the grain railway project that threatens the Amazon, and clearly delineating Indigenous territories. The protest underscored the ongoing struggle for Indigenous rights and participation in global climate decision-making.
4. Final Showdown at Closing Plenary
The closing plenary of COP30 was marked by dramatic negotiations and high-stakes discussions. Despite sleepless nights and last-minute fire disruptions, the COP30 President, André Corrêa do Lago, finally gavelled the session into motion on Saturday afternoon. The outcome included an oral acknowledgement to phase out fossil fuels, but the much-anticipated “roadmaps” for ending fossil fuels and saving forests did not make it into the final deal, leaving many campaigners disappointed.
5. Brazil Minister of Environment Cries at Closing Plenary
Brazil’s Environment Minister, Marina Silva, was visibly emotional during her closing speech at the COP30 plenary, fighting back tears as global diplomats gave her a standing ovation. In her address, Silva thanked the presidency team and highlighted the importance of recognizing Indigenous Peoples, traditional communities, and Afro-descendant peoples in the climate process. Her speech reflected both the progress made and the challenges that remain in the fight against climate change.
These moments at COP30 in Belém captured the urgency, passion, and complexity of global climate action, reminding us that progress is still possible.