The breakthrough in Belém: This is how climate justice is moving forward now!

The breakthrough in Belém: This is how climate justice is moving forward now!

The 195 contracting states to the UN climate conference COP30 adopted the so-called “Belém package” on November 24, 2025 in Belém. This package, comprising 29 decisions, marks a significant transition from negotiation to implementation of the Paris Agreement. With a clear focus on climate justice, social inclusion and accelerating global climate action, COP30 is seen as a turning point in international climate negotiations. The initiative aims to achieve climate goals through concrete measures and programs.

The Belém package contains a number of groundbreaking decisions. Particularly noteworthy is the planned tripling of adaptation financing by 2035. In addition, 59 indicators were adopted to make progress towards the Global Adaptation Goal measurable. The introduction of a Just Transition program, which is intended to ensure that social justice and human rights are preserved during the global energy transition, is also critical. Another key point is the global mobilization to implement national climate plans, which was triggered by the Mutirão decision.

New ways in climate finance

A fundamental part of the package is the realignment of international climate finance. In particular, the Baku-to-Belém roadmap aims to mobilize USD 1.3 trillion annually for climate protection and adaptation. New tools such as the Global Implementation Accelerator and the Belém Mission to 1.5 were also presented to help states implement their commitments. These developments are essential to effectively meet the challenges of climate change.

In this context, the importance of a just transformation that not only considers climate protection but also social justice becomes clear. According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), climate change and environmental degradation are directly linked to challenges to economic growth and employment. A just transition requires careful management to equip the workforce with the skills needed for green growth and ensure that all groups reap the benefits of sustainable transition.

Climate justice in focus

Climate justice is a key issue that was clearly brought to the forefront at COP30. Historical inequalities, such as different vulnerabilities to the consequences of the climate crisis, can be observed both between countries and within societies. The poorest countries have significantly lower per capita emissions compared to rich countries like Germany, but bear the consequences of climate change disproportionately.

Events like Hurricane Katrina show that marginalized populations, such as poorer African-American families in New Orleans, suffer disproportionately from natural disasters. Given that both social and gender inequalities are being exacerbated by climate change, the Fridays for Future movement calls for a clear focus on social justice in climate protection.

COP30 took a decisive step towards a fairer and more sustainable future. Despite these positive developments, skepticism remains about compliance with financial commitments and the rapid implementation of the new programs. The next few years will be crucial in determining whether the promised measures can actually be implemented and whether the transition to a climate-friendly and inclusive society is successful.

For more details on the developments and their significance, you can read the reports from ECONEWS, the International Labor Organization and the Federal Agency for Civic Education visit.