The United Nations climate bureau convened an urgent meeting on 29 July 2025. The focus was on soaring accommodation costs for COP30 in Belem, Brazil. Delegates warned that high prices could exclude poorer nations from crucial climate negotiations. Brazil is set to host nearly 45,000 participants this November. The city’s limited hotel capacity and rising prices have sparked concerns over fair access and participation.
Background of COP30 and Location Challenges
COP30 is the 30th UN Climate Change Conference. It gathers governments worldwide to discuss climate action. This year’s venue is Belem, a city of 1.3 million on Brazil’s Amazon coast. Belem typically offers 18,000 hotel beds. This is insufficient for the expected crowd. The city’s remote location and limited infrastructure complicate logistics.
Concerns Over Accommodation Costs
Accommodation prices in Belem have surged dramatically. Some hotels quoted rates near $700 per night. This far exceeds the UN daily subsistence allowance of $149 for poorer countries. Even $220 daily rates offered on cruise ships remain high for many delegations. Both developing and wealthier nations report difficulty securing affordable lodging. Several countries consider reducing their delegations or limiting participation.
Impact on Developing Countries’ Participation
Developing nations fear exclusion due to cost barriers. African Group of Negotiators chair Richard Muyungi brought into light the risk of cutting their numbers. He urged Brazil to provide affordable options and avoid limiting delegations. The UN climate bureau plans to revisit the issue on 11 August. Ensuring inclusive participation is vital for equitable climate negotiations.
Brazil’s Response and Mitigation Efforts
Brazil is expanding accommodation capacity fast. Two cruise ships will add 6,000 beds. The government opened bookings for cheaper options aimed at developing countries. Organisers assure that affordable lodging will be available. However, doubts remain as prices still exceed UN allowances. Brazil faces pressure to balance hosting a large summit with accessibility.
Broader Implications for Global Climate Diplomacy
The accommodation crisis marks logistical challenges in hosting large multilateral events. It puts stress on inequalities in global climate governance. If poorer countries cannot participate fully, the legitimacy of negotiations may suffer. The situation calls for better planning and support mechanisms. It also stresses the need for fairness in international diplomacy.
Questions for UPSC:
- Point out the challenges faced by developing countries in international climate negotiations and suggest measures to enhance their participation.
- Critically analyse the role of host countries in ensuring inclusivity and logistical preparedness for large multilateral summits like the United Nations Climate Change Conferences.
- Estimate the impact of infrastructural limitations on the effectiveness of global environmental governance and discuss potential solutions with suitable examples.
- What are the key factors influencing international cooperation on climate change? How do economic disparities among nations affect these negotiations?
