A fire broke out in Belem, Brazil, interrupting the annual climate negotiations at the UN COP30 conference.
According to AP, several buildings were evacuated on Thursday, leading to delays in discussions. Thirteen people suffered smoke inhalation.
The fire occurred in the pavilion area where parallel conference events are held and was quickly contained.
The blaze erupted while COP30 leaders were working on a final document concerning four contentious issues around financing, fossil fuel emissions reductions, and trade.
Leaders had hoped to finalize this package before Wednesday when Brazilian President Lula da Silva and UN Secretary-General António Guterres arrived in Belem, but no agreements were reached due to differing national approaches.
Guterres urged countries to compromise to “demonstrate readiness and flexibility to achieve results,” even if they do not meet the strictest demands of some nations. “We are approaching a critical moment, and the world is watching Belem,” he stated.
The Secretary-General also called on wealthy nations to increase financial assistance to poorer countries for climate change adaptation from $40 billion to $120 billion annually.
Overall, negotiations are focused on four key issues: total financial assistance for poor countries amounting to $300 billion per year, strengthening national climate plans, reducing trade barriers, and improving transparency and accountability regarding progress.
The COP30 proceedings may be extended beyond the planned two weeks due to delays.
The UN Climate Conference (COP30) in Belem, Brazil, is scheduled to last until November 21, 2025. The United States did not send any high-ranking officials to the conference this year.