Using data collected by the Centre for Climate Communication and Data Science (C3DS) at the University of Exeter, the researchers found that Big Oil companies were pouring money into Google ads targeting Brazil. These ads often promote the companies’ investments in green energy, which Renata Alberquerque Ribeiro from Climainfo says distracts from what the real data shows.

“They are committed to promoting their brands as sustainable and investing in the energy transition. When we look at the official data on their investments in energy and fossil fuels, we see that this is not true.”

Petrobras was responsible for 70% of the Big Oil ads in Brazil in 2025. The state-owned Brazilian oil company has been lauded by President Lula as key to Brazil’s green strategy. Its ads echo this message.

“The advertisements try to bring this sense of greatness, like there is something big happening around the energy transition, and Petrobras is the one that is leading,” says Ribeiro.

“But if you evaluate their new work plan, Petrobras reduced investment in the energy transition by 20%. They are decreasing investment in renewable energy and the energy transition, and increasing investment in fossil fuels.”

This week, President Lula has asked his ministers to present a roadmap for Brazil’s green transition within 60 days.

Though COP30 is over, Big Oil companies will still be looking to sway public opinion in their favour. With this new evidence of targeted campaigns by oil companies, should legislators be doing more to rein in their influence over public discussion?

Speaking via his X account, Petro argued that failing to explicitly name fossil fuels as the root cause of climate change amounts to hypocrisy. He insisted that human existence is only possible if the world transitions away from oil, coal and natural gas , in line with scientific evidence.

Petro was not alone in his objections. More than 80 countries had pushed for a binding fossil fuel exit roadmap during the COP30 talks but ultimately failed to secure a reference in the final agreement. The president’s climate team has described this as a betrayal of scientific consensus and a missed opportunity for a just energy transition.

Colombia’s acting Minister of Environment, Irene Vélez, threw her support behind Petro’s stance, affirming that the government will not yield on the principles of climate justice and scientific truth. She argued that stronger multilateral action and clearer targets are needed to avoid perpetuating dependency on fossil fuel capital.

Petro’s rebuttal to the COP30 declaration has sparked wider debate in Latin America and around the world about climate ambition. While the summit did result in a non-binding “Global Mutirão” agreement on accelerating climate action, critics like Petro say it lacks teeth, particularly without a roadmap to eliminate the fossil fuels most responsible for climate change.

Romulo Batista, coordinator of Greenpeace Brazil’s Forest Solutions project, used the moment to issue one of the summit’s clearest demands. “Another extremely important point is our demand directed at polluters. They must pay the bill for climate change and, in particular, ensure the just energy transition of developing countries, so they do not have to go through a high-carbon economy to develop,” he said.

For Greenpeace, holding major emitters financially accountable is essential to prevent poorer nations from repeating the carbon-heavy development paths of richer countries.

COP30 itself has centred on protecting the Amazon and accelerating global climate action, particularly in regions most exposed to environmental degradation. Greenpeace’s intervention underscored a broader concern shared by many at the summit: that without binding commitments forcing the world ’s biggest polluters to pay for the damage they have caused, the promise of a just transition will remain out of reach.

Trump went on to argue that the term is used to explain any weather pattern. “If it rains, if it snows, if it’s warm, it’s climate change that’s destroying the world ,” he said, adding that past predictions about global catastrophe were exaggerated. He claimed the planet “got actually much cooler” and called the movement “a little conspiracy,” saying it “has to be investigated immediately.”

The remarks came on the second day of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to the United States, his first in eight years and one that Trump has framed as close to a state visit, despite the Crown Prince not being Saudi Arabia’s head of state.

“From the beginning, I did not doubt that we would make the best COP of all COPs,” Lula said.

He also underscored the event’s global visibility, insisting that major cities and governments now recognise Brazil’s leadership on climate and environmental issues. “Today, I am certain that China knows Belém. … Berlin knows Belém … Russia knows Belém,” he told reporters, adding that the summit had also captured attention within Brazil itself.

Lula singled out public engagement as one of the most striking features of this year’s edition. He welcomed the large-scale, orderly participation of activists involved in the “Summit of the Peoples,” a parallel mobilisation whose delegates submitted a consolidated climate action proposal to the government .

COP30 continues in Belém through late November, with organisers reporting some of the highest levels of civil society and Indigenous presence in the summit’s history.

The agency, which runs community-led projects in 80 countries, wants mobility formally embedded in national adaptation plans and backed by finance, including loss-and-damage funds.

On the back of this, Haitian refugee Robert Montinard, who fled after the 2010 earthquake, now leads Brazil’s Mawon Association and says the debate cannot be confined to technical rooms. “We want to be part of the solution,” he told UN News . Earlier in the week he handed a package of recommendations to First Lady Rosângela “Janja” da Silva and Environment Minister Marina Silva, including municipal climate councils, measures against environmental racism and locally trained brigades to respond to disasters.

From the Horn of Africa, Makebib Tadesse described how climate stress is amplifying tensions over land and water in Ethiopia, fuelling a “continuous cycle of violence and displacement”. In parts of the north, he said, the impact of climate change now rivals or surpasses the devastation left by past conflict.

Their message is further amplified by UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Alfonso Herrera. The Mexican actor, who has visited displaced communities across Latin America , says Brazil’s openness to refugees stands out “when so many other countries take the completely opposite attitude”.

IOM and UNHCR contend that integrating mobility into adaptation would bring concrete results like clearer rules for planned relocation before disasters strike, safer internal and cross-border movement when staying is no longer viable, and targeted investment in services for communities absorbing new arrivals.

Her words reflect a growing frustration among Indigenous and Global South leaders who argue that the energy transition and climate financing remain designed for the interests of the world ’s richest nations.

Pedro Zapata, consultant for the Chile Project at the Natural Resource Governance Institute, echoed this concern, highlighting the need for a truly inclusive transition. “We hope that this energy transition will be positive for the Global North but also for us in the South, as long as we can also see its benefits. And as has been said many times, this transition must include everyone and leave no one behind, especially the countries that are producers and also feel responsible for this energy transition.”

As negotiations continue, voices like theirs remind global leaders that climate action cannot be measured solely in investments or carbon credits, but in the protection of water, land, and life itself.

He went on to outline three additional priorities: adherence to the principles of climate justice; ensuring access to appropriate and affordable technologies, particularly in renewable energy ; and providing technical assistance, capacity-building, and stronger systems for monitoring, reporting, and verification.

The ambassador warned that Gaza is facing “serious public health risks” and escalating “environmental threats,” noting that “the genocide has destroyed agricultural lands and vegetation cover.”

Al-Zeben added that Palestine’s “catastrophic environmental situation” must be recognised as an important factor in global climate change .

The UN COP30 conference, in Belém, Brazil, brings together world leaders, scientists, and civil society representatives to define priorities for climate action. The summit focuses on efforts to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C, review new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and assess the implementation of financial commitments made at previous conferences.

Addressing the role of powerful nations in climate debates, Boric directly criticised former US President Donald Trump for denying the existence of the climate crisis. In his speech, Boric stated: "These are times when voices arise that choose to ignore or deny the scientific evidence about the climate crisis. Not long ago, the President of the United States, at the last UN General Assembly, said that the climate crisis does not exist, and that is a lie."

Boric also drew attention to the disproportionate effects of climate change on vulnerable populations, including women, indigenous groups, and local communities, particularly in the Global South. He emphasised that addressing climate change requires acknowledging these inequalities and ensuring that solutions are inclusive and just.

The event, hosted in the Amazon, underscores the global significance of preserving critical ecosystems while addressing climate change. Countries from the Global South have consistently called on the Global North to take responsibility for historical emissions and to commit to tangible measures that mitigate ongoing climate impacts worldwide.

COP30 runs from November 10 to 21, offering a platform for nations to advance dialogue, forge commitments, and confront the climate emergency with renewed international solidarity.

Petro went further, condemning Trump’s calls for increased military spending in Europe and arguing that climate change, not geopolitical rivals, represents the most urgent threat. “The President of the United States , Donald Trump, is 100% wrong… It is not a matter of defence and security, it is not Russia the enemy, the climate crisis is the enemy,” he said.

Trump, who has repeatedly downplayed the climate crisis, is not attending COP30 and has previously traded barbs with Petro, at one point calling the Colombian leader a “thug” and “drug trafficker.”

The two-day gathering in the heart of the Amazon brings together world leaders, ministers, and representatives from international organisations to set the tone for COP30 negotiations.

Discussions are centred on accelerating decarbonisation, protecting forests and biodiversity, and advancing climate justice for vulnerable nations.

This year, all nations are expected to submit their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) outlining their strategies for cutting greenhouse gas emissions to help meet the global goal of limiting temperature increases to 1.5ºC and preparing for the effects of climate change. The NDCs are revised every five years in accordance with the Paris Agreement.

However, Jusper Machogu, a 30-year-old farmer from Kisii, Kenya , questions the morality and fairness of rich countries, asking Africa to abstain from the very path they used to industrialise.

Machogu, a prominent advocate for the use of fossil fuels in Africa through his social media, presents a counter-narrative—one he says is grounded in the lived experiences of many Africans and shaped by a critique of international climate policy dynamics.

 “Why should Africa stop exploring fossil fuels?" he questioned. "There is no country that has developed using solar and wind. Every developed country is literally burning a lot of oil, coal, and natural gas,” Jusper told Global South World.

He suggests that Africa be given a century-long window to use its fossil fuel resources to lift itself out of poverty before committing to a full transition.

 “We can listen to them once we beat poverty and hunger in Africa—maybe by 2100. That is when we should stop burning fossil fuels, after ensuring every other person in Africa is fed, housed, and has access to water and energy.”

Africa contributes just 4% of the world's total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, both in absolute and per capita terms.

Machogu points out the global inequality in energy consumption, highlighting the stark gap between Africa and developed nations.

“The US consumes about 20 million barrels of oil per day. Their population is 330 million people. Africa consumes 4 million barrels per day—our population is 1.5 billion people.”

 “Why should those people expect me to care about the climate?” he questions.

This imbalance, he argues, disqualifies the moral authority of developed nations to lecture Africa on its energy choices.

While renewable energy dominates global discussions, he argues that most of Africa already uses "renewable" sources—but not the kind typically promoted.

 “Almost 90% of our energy in sub-Saharan Africa is from biomass—cow dung, firewood, charcoal, crop residue. That is it.”

He distinguishes between real energy needs and electricity, arguing that the conversation around solar and wind often misses the point.

 “When they say renewable energy, they’re referring to solar and wind. But solar and wind only produce electricity. They cannot run industries, they cannot power transportation... Our energy needs are far broader.”

Africa has historically made much larger investments in fossil fuel infrastructure than in renewable energy initiatives. In the region, solar and wind projects received only $1 USD for every $3 USD invested in fossil fuel power plants between 2015 and 2024. But for the first time in Sub-Saharan Africa's history, investments in wind and solar energy exceeded those in fossil fuels in 2023. 

Leaders set a goal last year to raise $1.3 trillion a year from all international sources to support climate action in developing nations by 2035.

It is pledges like this that he says have fuelled African leaders into chasing green funds for political gain. 

“The green energy industry has got a lot of money... Of course, African leaders are going to say, 'we want solar and wind'—that is what gives them funds. But they’re not doing it for the people.”

Lula questioned how a global leader could still deny climate change, noting Trump’s previous remarks at the UN calling it a “hoax” and the United States ’ renewed withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. Washington has also confirmed it will not send any high-level federal representatives to COP30.

“How are we doing with this story that there is a president in the world who doesn’t believe the climate is changing?” Lula asked, warning that rising temperatures and melting glaciers threaten to raise sea levels and endanger millions of lives.

The Brazilian leader toured the settlement, meeting local forest workers and emphasising that the legacy of COP30 should directly benefit Amazonian communities. “After the COP is over, everything done on behalf of it must remain for the people of Pará and Belém,” he said.

Set to take place in Belém from November 10 to 21, 2025, COP30 will mark the first time the global climate summit is held in the Amazon region. Ahead of the conference, Brazil announced the creation of the Tropical Forest Forever Facility, a $125 billion initiative designed to reward tropical countries for conserving their forests, with implementation expected to begin in 2026.

“We are here at the port of Santarem, at this exact moment, about to depart for Belem, to COP30. We are participating in a caravan with the peoples of the territory. The importance of this is surreal, because people are joining forces, connecting with others who already live the reality of the territories,” said Silvia Rocha, a Brazilian activist.

During the voyage, participants discussed strategies to present their local struggles and environmental challenges to world leaders. They see their participation as an opportunity to push for genuine representation and stronger climate financing commitments.

The caravan’s arrival in Belém marks a symbolic moment for civil society . With COP30 expected to bring together 60,000 participants from more than 160 countries between November 10 and 21, the Amazon’s residents are determined to make their voices central to the global climate conversation.

U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, who is expected to attend the summit next month, urged a prompt investigation and stressed the need for any law-enforcement action to adhere to international human rights standards.

“The secretary-general is gravely concerned by the large number of casualties,” U.N. spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said, calling for accountability.

Rio’s mayor and state governor insisted the violence was unrelated to the upcoming climate events, which will take place in Rio, São Paulo and Belém, the Amazon city set to host COP30 in November. Brazilian police also conducted a security drill in Belém on Tuesday.

João Paulo de Resende, undersecretary for economic and fiscal affairs at Brazil's finance ministry, told Reuters the incident would not affect summit security.

“It’s a very localised thing; it has nothing to do with the climate agenda or the COP itself,” he said. “It’s very unusual, even by Brazilian standards… not something you're probably going to see repeating itself.”

The U.S. consulate issued a warning for specific Rio neighbourhoods, citing ongoing confrontations between police and armed groups.

Despite the concerns, delegates and business leaders remain committed to attending. Andrew Wilson, deputy secretary-general of the International Chamber of Commerce, said preparations are continuing as planned.

“From our side, nothing has changed… We know it’s going to be logistically challenging, but certainly nothing has changed in the last 24 hours,” Wilson told Reuters.

Events next week include a climate forum for municipal leaders in Rio and Prince William’s Earthshot Prize ceremony, while São Paulo will host climate finance discussions, and world leaders gather in Belém ahead of COP30 negotiations.

“No one can lecture Brazil about climate issues,” he told the audience. “We are not the owners of the truth. We don’t know everything, and we can’t do everything. But there is no one, no one doing more than we are, with the dedication we’re putting in.”

Lula praised the leadership of young Brazilians in the environmental movement after receiving a letter from participants outlining proposals for climate action. Calling their activism a "small revolution," he pledged to personally deliver the letter to every world leader attending COP30 in November.

The upcoming COP30 summit, set for November in Belém, will be the first time Brazil hosts a UN climate conference. The Lula administration is expected to centre its message around Amazon preservation and South-South cooperation.