Lula Urges Global Action Against Climate Skeptics, Criticizes Military Spending at COP30 Opening

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has called on world leaders to unite against climate change denial and redirect global spending priorities toward environmental solutions. Speaking Monday at the opening of the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belem, located in Brazil’s Amazon region, Lula condemned the influence of climate skeptics and the spread of misinformation that undermines international cooperation.

Addressing the first plenary session, Lula said climate denial is being fueled by groups who “control algorithms, sow hatred, and spread fear,” arguing that their actions weaken scientific institutions and multilateral efforts. He urged the global community to “defeat the deniers” to achieve meaningful progress.

Notably absent from the summit were leaders from major global emitters, including the United States, China, and India. Lula criticized their absence, saying those who “promote wars” should instead be present to address the environmental crisis. He highlighted what he described as a misguided global priority: spending on defense instead of the climate.

“It would be cheaper to invest $1.3 trillion annually to solve the climate crisis than the $2.7 trillion spent on war last year,” Lula said, pointing to the rising defense budgets of the US and European nations.

He urged COP30 negotiators to renew commitments to the Paris Agreement, particularly the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Achieving this target requires both emissions cuts and increased financial support for developing countries.

Lula also emphasized the significance of hosting the conference in Belem, a city at the center of the Amazon rainforest but where many residents still lack access to basic sanitation. The location, he said, symbolizes both the urgency of the climate crisis and the inequalities that must be addressed alongside environmental action.