COP30 – Everything You Need To Know

The 30th Conference of Parties (COP30) is fast approaching. We break down the details of when and where the event is taking place, what we can expect to see on the COP30 agenda, and how your business may be impacted by the outcomes.

What Is COP 30?

COP30 is the 30th annual Conference of the Parties; a global climate summit organised by the United Nations (UN) that brings together around 50,000 world leaders, policymakers, scientists, and industry experts to discuss how to prepare for and combat climate change.
This year’s conference marks three decades of international climate negotiations and is also the midpoint between the signing of the Paris Agreement and its 2030 targets.

When and Where is COP30?

COP30 is being held from Monday 10th November until Friday 21st November 2025 in Belém, Brazil.

The choice of location is particularly significant, as Belém sits at the perimeter of the Amazon Rainforest, one of the most vital ecosystems on the planet and a powerful ‘carbon sink’ that absorbs carbon dioxide and produces oxygen through photosynthesis of plants and trees.

The Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva described this years’ conference as “a COP in the Amazon, not a COP about the Amazon”. This is a strategic choice by the organisers in order to highlight the importance of protecting the ecosystem.

Hosting COP30 in the heart of the Amazon draws attention to the role of forest conservation in combating climate change and highlights the importance of protecting biodiversity and the ecosystem.

What is on the COP30 Agenda?

Building on previous conferences, COP30’s agenda will focus on implementation and accountability in achieving climate goals.

A major emphasis this year is on adaptation and resilience, attendees will discuss strategies to help countries, particularly those most vulnerable, to prepare for and respond to the physical and economic risks of a planet going through global warming.

With 2025 marking the halfway point to the Paris Agreement deadline, this milestone will see countries revisiting their climate commitments, submitting updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and demonstrating the progress they have already made towards the target of limiting the global warming temperature increase to 1.5°C.

The discussions in the COP30 agenda aim to create a clear pathway towards reaching global sustainability targets, through practical actions that reduce emissions and support development of sustainability initiatives.

On what we can hope to see from COP30, our senior net zero consultant, Lindsay Groves, says:

“The real hope for COP30 is a shift from pledges to delivery; setting out how global goals can translate into concrete action on the ground. It’s important to have clear targets, but without practical pathways for implementation, they can’t drive meaningful change. We can also expect a stronger emphasis on finance, nature-based solutions, and the role of regions like the Amazon in safeguarding global climate stability.”

Why Does COP30 Matter for Businesses?

COP30 will have far-reaching implications for UK businesses, as global emphasis on climate action grows, consumers are becoming more interested in how companies address environmental issues. COP30 could also lead to discussions about new regulations that hold businesses accountable for their climate impact. By starting to measure and monitor their energy use and emissions now, businesses can better prepare for any future requirements and stay ahead of the curve.

Lindsay says:
“For UK businesses, this matters because the outcomes of COP30 will shape future regulation, investment priorities, and supply chain expectations. Given the need for stronger political backing for Net Zero in the UK, we hope the outcomes from Belém will reinforce the importance of credible net-zero plans, transparent reporting, and tangible emissions reductions. In practical terms, the average business, whether in manufacturing, retail, or services, will need to think more seriously about efficiency, resilience, and how they demonstrate genuine progress on sustainability rather than simply making commitments.”

Those that start embedding sustainability into everyday decisions now will be best placed to adapt and thrive as these expectations become the norm.

No matter what comes from COP30, at Consultus Sustainability, we are committed to helping our clients reach their sustainability targets and reduce costs, whilst also considering wider business targets and growth plans. To find out more about how we can help you, get in touch today.