Finnish President Alexander Stubb Calls for Bold, Science-Driven Action at COP30 in Belém
#cop30 #climatechange #climate
At the opening of the Belém Climate Summit’s General Plenary of Leaders, Finnish President Alexander Stubb delivered a powerful call for optimism, leadership, and scientific integrity in tackling the global climate crisis. Speaking at COP30, Stubb urged world leaders to “be bold” and reject cynicism, warning that the future of the 1.5°C global warming goal depends on decisions made “here and now” in Brazil.
Reflecting on his early career covering the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, Stubb described the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement as success stories of multilateralism — a system he noted is “currently being challenged.” Despite acknowledging progress, he cautioned that global emissions are declining too slowly to avert disaster.
“The good news,” Stubb said, “is that we are, at long last, bending the global emissions curve downwards. The bad news is that the pace is way too slow.” He emphasized that COP30 must mark a turning point, with countries acting decisively to maintain the 1.5°C target.
Stubb outlined three pillars for success: leading by example, putting science in the driver’s seat, and bold action. He urged nations to stop “blaming their neighbours” and instead focus on what each can contribute. “The blame game doesn’t work,” he said, calling for unity and accountability among both large and small emitters.
Applauding Brazil’s COP Presidency, Stubb praised its inclusion of indigenous voices and the advancement of an Ambitious Gender Action Plan. He stressed that leadership must also mean financial and technological support for the world’s most vulnerable nations, urging wealthier countries to “turbocharge the transition away from fossil fuels.”
Highlighting the threat of disinformation surrounding climate science, Stubb warned that false narratives aim to “rattle the multilateral system” and obstruct progress. “There are no excuses,” he said. “Delaying climate action would have consequences that are devastating for all and irreversible for some.”
His closing message was one of determination and hope. “Be bold,” he repeated. “We need regulation and targets, we need financing, and we need innovation. They go hand in hand.” Stubb argued that climate action and economic growth are not enemies but allies, pointing to evidence that decarbonization and prosperity can coexist.
“Investment in climate change,” he concluded, “is the growth and prosperity plan for this century.” Calling for COP30 to send a clear message that “fossil fuels have no future,” Stubb urged delegates to make Belém 2025 as historic as Paris 2015. He closed with a Finnish proverb — and a challenge: “A pessimist will never be disappointed, but pessimists will never solve the climate crisis. Optimists and realists will.”
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