Man stands in forest with fist raised, holding a sign that reads: Our future is not for sale

COP30 is here Everything you need to understand about the UN climate talks

Join the Global Day of Action | Saturday 15 November

What is COP?

This year's United Nations climate talks (also known as COP30, or the UN climate summit) are taking place from 10th to 21st November 2025 in Belém, Brazil. The talks come at a crucial time for climate action. The choices governments make now will shape our collective future for generations. 

Deadly floods and storms to wildfires and record heat. Those least responsible are being hit hardest. The loss of the world’s forests is only making the situation worse. Progress is being stalled by those profiting off environmental harm and politicians with vested interests...

But there's a lot of hope to be found this year; climate advocates will be able to turn out with the full force of the international climate movement, pitching their demands for bold and fair climate solutions directly to decision makers. We already have the solutions to turn the tide on climate and ecological breakdown – now we must jolt our leaders into action.

A close up of the amazon on fire - focussing on the tree trunk. A lot of smoke, and flames in the background.

What's the focus of COP30?

The Conference of the Parties, or the UN climate talks, is where world leaders, scientists, non-governmental organisations, and civil society meet to discuss priority actions to tackle global climate change. 

COP30 will focus on the efforts needed to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5°C, the presentation of new national action plans (NDCs) and the progress on the finance pledges made at COP29 (last year's summit).

With world leaders gathering in Brazil, this is also an important opportunity to highlight the role nations can play in ending the genocide in Gaza and liberate Palestine.

Talks will cover multiple areas, from deforestation to transitioning away from fossil fuels. But how could things really change? Read our topic summaries to delve deeper.

Group of international activists at a COP26 march, waving their countries' flags

International solidarity at COP30

Friends of the Earth England, Wales and Northern Ireland is part of Friends of the Earth International – the world’s largest grassroots environmental federation.

Learn more about our sister organisations and why solidarity matters.

Group of international activists at a COP26 march, waving their countries' flags