What's Up with COP30

Join us for a critical discussion as the Climate Emergency Forum panel delves into the upcoming COP30 climate conference in Belem, Brazil. This episode features expert insights from Dr. Peter Carter, IPCC expert reviewer, and Paul Beckwith, climate system scientist and educator, as they unpack the recurring challenges that have hindered meaningful progress over 30 years of climate negotiations. From the history of the UN Climate Change Convention to the realities of present-day adaptation finance, fossil fuel phase-out, and the mounting pressure on the Amazon basin, our panel examines why essential climate goals remain elusive and what’s at stake for the planet.

This video was recorded on October 29th, 2025, and published on November 9th, 2025, and represents the opinions of the discussion participants.

In this candid forum, our panelists explore the lack of democratic participation in COP processes, the dominance of special interests, and the rising tide of climate impacts worldwide. Personal experiences from recent conferences highlight both the logistical hurdles and the morale-boosting power of these global gatherings. The conversation addresses not only the political and financial roadblocks to climate action but also raises vital questions about the future of these conferences, the role of technology in fostering global participation, and the urgent need for innovative solutions—such as large-scale carbon removal and advanced cooling techniques.

As the world approaches another pivotal moment for climate action, this video invites viewers to stay engaged, informed, and involved. With reflections on the latest science, policy, and grassroots momentum, the panel urges continued attention to global climate negotiations, adaptation strategies, and the collective effort needed to secure a safer future for all. Don’t forget to subscribe, share your thoughts in the comments, and visit climateemergencyforum.org to learn more and support ongoing climate advocacy.

Links:

• Support Our Mission

• United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

• Nationally Determined Contributions

• Paris Agreement

• Coral Reefs - The Ocean’s Rain Forests in Decline (CEF Video)

• Record number of fossil fuel lobbyists at COP28 climate talks, analysis shows

• Figure 2.1 from OECD Report on Climate Tipping Points

• Paris Agreement at ten – ‘brakes slammed on’ emissions growth, finds analysis

• The Climate Triad (CEF Video)

• Forest Power: Cooling the Planet Naturally (CEF Video)

• Climate Engineering and the Napkin Diagram (CEF Video)

• Lancet Countdown: Tracking Progress on Health and Climate Change

• A European monsoon-like climate in a warmhouse world

• Study links climate anxiety to social media use

• Cool Cows (EnviroCow+): Accelerated Breeding for low level emissions and high feed efficiency

Regular Panelists:

• Dr. Peter Carter - MD, Expert IPCC Reviewer and the director of the Climate Emergency Institute

• Paul Beckwith - Climate Systems Scientist. Professor at the University of Ottawa’s Paleoclimatology Laboratory as well as at Carleton University

• Herb Simmens - Author, Co-founder of the Healthy Planet Action Coalition (HPAC), Climate Emergency Board Member and former college instructor.

Video Production:

• Charles Gregoire - Electrical Engineer, Webmaster and IT prime for FacingFuture.Earth & the Climate Emergency Forum; Climate Reality Leader

• Heidi Brault - Climate Reality Leader, BA(Psychology), Library & Information Technician Diploma - Video production and website assistant - Organizer and convener, Metadata technician, COP Team Lead for FacingFuture.Earth and the Climate Emergency Forum.

Attributions:

Background Music:

• Title: Through the City II
• Author: Crowander
• Source: crowander.com

Image and Video:

• Image and Video Attributions