323: Inside COP: World Leaders Gather in Belém - with Jacinda Ardern and Selwin Hart

What's it like to be on the inside of a global leaders’ summit at COP30? In this episode we take you into the room where debates are shaped, questions are asked, and agreements are negotiated.

About this episode

As COP30 opens in Belém, world leaders have gathered for the first major moment of this Amazon-based summit in the shadow of growing doubts about global cooperation. With some major countries absent and others already signalling caution, the urgency of credible action is louder than ever.

Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern joins Christiana Figueres and Tom Rivett-Carnac to share what it’s like to be on the inside of a leaders’ summit and asks: if this is to be an implementation COP, the question needs to be, “of what?”

And the hosts are joined by Selwin Hart, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Advisor on Climate, for a wide-ranging conversation on shifting geopolitics and diplomatic tactics, and how the ‘The siloed Ministry of Environment’ is a thing of the past.

And Brazil has launched it’s flagship Tropical Forests Forever Facility to fund the protection of the world’s tropical forests. But with some major donors holding back, including the UK, the hosts discuss who’s really stepping up to deliver.

As the summit moves from opening stage to action-mode, this episode brings you into the room where debates are shaped, questions are asked, and agreements are negotiated.

Learn more:

📖 Read more about the Belem Leaders Summit

💡 Learn about the Tropical Forests Forever Facility

🌍 Check out the official COP30 website for background and announcements

🎤 What do you want to hear on Inside COP? Ask us on SpeakPipe

Instagram @outrageoptimism
LinkedIn @outrageoptimism

And we want to hear from you! What do you want to hear more of in Inside COP? Get in touch with us. Get in touch with us via this form.

Producer: Ben Weaver-Hincks

Edited by: Miles Martignoni

Video Producer: Caitlin Hanrahan

Exec Producer: Ellie Clifford

With thanks to Groundswell and Global Optimism.

This is a Persephonica production for Global Optimism and is part of the Acast Creator Network.