"U.S. Faces Climate Negotiations: Will It Step Up?"

Countries Gather for Climate Negotiations as U.S. Takes a Backseat Nearly 200 countries gathered in Brazil's northern city of Belém on November 10, 2025, for the United Nations annual climate summit, known as COP30. The two-week conference, which will run until November 21, aims to discuss and negotiate ways to address global climate change. However, the U.S. will not play an active role in the negotiations, according to multiple sources. The Conference of the Parties (COP) meetings have become a crucial platform for countries to share their climate goals, strategies, and progress. This year's summit is expected to be a critical moment for countries to reaffirm their commitments to the Paris Agreement, which was signed in 2015. The agreement aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius and pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. According to Alejandra Borunda, a journalist covering the climate beat for NPR, "The U.S. has been a key player in international climate negotiations in the past, but this year, it will not be actively participating in the talks." Borunda noted that the U.S. has not officially announced its reasons for not participating, but it is believed to be due to the ongoing gridlock in Congress over climate policy. The U.S. is not the only country that has been criticized for its climate policies. Brazil, the host country of COP30, has also faced criticism for its environmental record, particularly in the Amazon rainforest. According to a report by the Amazon Conservation Association, deforestation in the Amazon has increased by 22% in the past year, with many of the cleared areas being used for agricultural purposes. Despite the challenges, many countries are optimistic about the potential for progress at COP30. "We believe that this conference will be a turning point for climate action," said a spokesperson for the Brazilian government. "We are committed to working with all countries to find solutions to the climate crisis." The conference is expected to feature a range of discussions, including the implementation of the Paris Agreement, climate finance, and the role of technology in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. According to Rebecca Hersher, a climate reporter for NPR, "The talks will also focus on the need for countries to increase their ambition and commitment to reducing emissions." As the conference gets underway, many experts are watching to see how countries will respond to the growing climate crisis. "The next two weeks will be critical in determining the future of climate action," said a climate scientist at the University of California, Berkeley. "We need to see countries coming together to agree on a clear plan to reduce emissions and transition to a low-carbon economy." The outcome of COP30 will have significant implications for the future of the planet. As the world's countries gather in Belém, they will be under pressure to deliver on their climate commitments and work towards a more sustainable future.