COP30 must deliver justice or watch UN risk credibility – warns Climate Action Network

By Samuel Ogunsona

The coalition of more than 2,000 organisations, Climatte Action Network, (CAN) has issued a stark warning to the United Nations, (UN) to deliver climate justice or risk credibility damage.

The statement which was made available to Irohinodua on Monday highlightes that the world is at a critical juncture, and delivering justice and equity is crucial to maintaining the credibility of the UN climate process.

The 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) kicked off in Belem, Brazil, on Monday, November 10, 2025, makes it a decade since the Paris Agreement was signed in 2015.

The group emphasized that ambition depends on justice, stating, “The world is short of ambition, and ambition depends on justice. Belém must anchor equity, human rights, and inclusion at the heart of every outcome. Without that, this COP will fail to provide hope to millions of people so desperately needing assurance that governments are acting in their interests.”

The network’s Justice Package outlines the necessary steps for COP30’s success, including creating a Belém Action Mechanism (BAM) for a Global Just Transition. Essop added, “Justice is that proof. Belém must deliver.”

CAN’s demands include “Developed countries must increase their climate ambition and submit robust Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) that reflect their fair share of global efforts.

“COP30 must deliver a finance reset, including large-scale public, grant-based climate finance, debt cancellation for countries trapped by climate and financial crises, a $300 billion annual commitment for adaptation, and expanding the Loss and Damage Fund.

“A Just Transition would ensure fairness and inclusion, transforming the transition from a slogan into a system that protects workers, communities, and Indigenous Peoples as the world moves away from fossil fuels and other heavy emitting sectors.” group mentioned.

The group also emphasized that transitions built on inequality don’t last, stating, “If governments want a Just Transition that endures, they have to bring communities with them – with good jobs, fair support and a real say in what change looks like.”

The success of COP30 hinges on the ability of governments to deliver on their promises and ensure that justice, equity, and human rights are at the forefront of every outcome.

“Justice isn’t a side issue – it’s the bridge between ambition and legitimacy.” Group concluded.