Lula Unveils Housing Finance Plan With Eye on Brazil’s 2026 Election

China is poised to take on a larger role in global climate discussions as the United States opts out of the Brazil climate summit. This shift highlights China's increasing influence in international environmental matters, particularly in the context of the U.S. decision to sidestep the event. The summit, taking place on November 15, 2025, serves as a platform for nations to address climate change challenges, and China's participation may signal a strategic move to enhance its leadership in climate policy.

Brazil is advocating for further tariff relief from the United States on coffee exports, following President Donald Trump's decision to lower tariffs, which had minimal impact on Brazil, the largest coffee supplier to the US. The Brazilian government aims to enhance its coffee export competitiveness amidst ongoing trade discussions.

A UK court has ruled that BHP Group is liable for the 2015 dam collapse in Brazil, which resulted in the deaths of 19 people and devastated local communities. This ruling comes as part of a massive lawsuit involving around 600,000 individuals seeking compensation for the disaster. The court's decision marks a significant moment in the ongoing legal battles surrounding the incident, highlighting the responsibilities of multinational corporations in environmental and social governance.

The Cop30 climate talks are taking place in Belém, Brazil, attracting thousands of diplomats, activists, and lobbyists. Initially seen as a potential turning point in the global fight against climate change, there are growing concerns that the summit may become a mere spectacle, failing to address urgent climate issues. Critics fear that the presence of lobbyists and a lack of urgency could undermine the summit's effectiveness, particularly for those most affected by climate change.

The COP30 Climate Talks in Belém, Brazil, are marked by a significant Indigenous presence, which is described as palpable and strong. This summit stands out from previous ones due to the active involvement of Indigenous peoples, highlighted by a demonstration advocating for Indigenous rights that took place on Thursday. The event underscores the importance of Indigenous voices in climate discussions.

The fossil-fuel era is nearing its end, but the transition to a clean energy future is progressing too slowly for the planet's well-being. The UN climate talks in Belém, Brazil, began with optimism but faced challenges regarding climate finance and carbon border tariffs. These discussions are crucial for bridging the gap between national climate pledges and the Paris Agreement's goals.

This week, COP30, the UN's annual climate summit, is being held in Belem, Brazil. As wealthier nations show reluctance to take decisive action on climate change, the focus shifts to whether the Global South can assume a leadership role in climate initiatives. Charra Tesfaye Terfassa, the economic and climate prosperity programme manager at the Open Society, shares insights on this critical issue.

The United States is largely absent from the United Nations climate negotiations taking place at COP30 in Belém, Brazil. This absence raises questions about global climate leadership and who will step up to fill the void left by the U.S. as various stakeholders gather to discuss pressing environmental issues.