COP30 in Brazil Opens Amid Deadly Typhoon Kalmaegi in Philippines
Global leaders are gathering in Brazil on Thursday and Friday to launch the COP30 United Nations climate summit. Approximately 60 heads of state are taking part, while Belgium’s Bart De Wever is notably absent amid continuing budget talks in his coun
BELÉM, BRAZIL — The COP30 climate conference opened in Belém, Brazil, on 6 November 2025 while the Philippines reels from the impact of Typhoon Kalmaegi, which has killed at least 114 people and left 127 missing, according to an official count.
Leaders and delegates from around the world gathered for COP30 at a moment when extreme weather events underscore the urgency of climate action. The storm has intensified scrutiny of global commitments ahead of the summit.
In the Philippines, Kalmaegi made landfall in central regions and swept towards Vietnam, forcing evacuations and causing widespread flooding. “Trees, power lines downed as Kalmaegi hits coastline,” reported Reuters.
At the summit, the United Nations’ Secretary-General António Guterres told delegates: “The science is undeniable. Temperatures are rising, and the clock is ticking.”
Reports note that global greenhouse-gas emissions have risen by about 34% since 1995, despite previous international efforts to limit warming.
An editorial from The Guardian described a “moral failure” in the global response to climate change, warning that nations are falling short of the target to limit warming to 1.5 °C.
COP30 host country Brazil is expected to press for stronger climate finance for developing countries, while the backdrop of Typhoon Kalmaegi serves as a stark reminder of the stakes. Some analysts warn that inadequate progress at the summit could amplify socio-economic and humanitarian risks globally.
Editor :Farros
Source : Reuters, The Guardian
