The 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) began on Monday in Belém, Brazil, bringing together around 50,000 participants from more than 190 countries, including diplomats, policymakers, and climate experts, for the 11-day event in the Amazon region.However, the opening day was disrupted by heavy rain that caused flooding in several parts of the city, including Parque da Cidade, one of the main conference venues. The press center was among the affected areas, with videos of the flooding widely shared on social media.
The sound of heavy rain also disrupted several press conferences, with UNHCR High Commissioner Filippo Grandi remarking that he was unable to hear questions being asked, as cited by Folha De S Paulo.Many social media users highlighted the irony of the situation, noting that a climate conference aimed at addressing environmental challenges was disrupted by severe weather.“One day, there’s a water shortage. The next, there’s a surplus. They outdid themselves this time!” a comment on X read.“It’s truly shameful! An international event of this magnitude, like the COP 30, deserved infrastructure up to the task, and a basic error like a leaking roof reveals a total lack of preparation and planning. It sends a bad image of the country and shows disregard for organization and responsibility,” read another comment.On Tuesday, a group of activists also clashed with security personnel at the COP30 venue, briefly attempting to enter the main conference area before being stopped. According to the United Nations, two security staff members sustained minor injuries. The incident occurred late in the day as attendees were leaving the site of the climate talks.“Earlier this evening, a group of protesters breached security barriers at the main entrance to the COP, causing minor injuries to two security staff, and minor damage to the venue,” the UN climate change said through a statement, as reported by AP. Some of the demonstrators entering the venue were heard chanting, “they cannot decide for us without us,” highlighting tensions over the level of Indigenous participation in the conference.As the confrontation escalated, witnesses reported seeing both security personnel and protesters striking each other with small plastic bins used for screening items near the entrances. One guard was seen bleeding from a head injury, while two or three others appeared to have bruises.Agstin Ocaña, a mobilization coordinator with the Global Youth Coalition, noted that some Indigenous communities have expressed frustration at seeing extensive resources directed toward developing “a whole new city” for the event, while pressing needs in education, healthcare, and forest protection remain unaddressed elsewhere, as reported by AP.
