World leaders attending the COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil, have strongly criticized US President Donald Trump for his ongoing rejection of climate science.
Although Trump is not attending the event, his influence and statements continue to loom large over discussions.

Leaders Accuse Trump of Spreading “Fake News” on Climate Science

Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva warned of “extremist forces that fabricate fake news,” saying they endanger future generations by ignoring global warming.
Leaders from Chile and Colombia went further, calling Trump a “liar” for undermining scientific consensus on climate change.

Chile’s Environment Minister Maisa Rojas told the BBC, “The science is very clear. It is very important not to falsify the truth.”

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Notes Decline in Global Unity

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer acknowledged that political unity on climate action is fading.
He said, “It had been a unity issue internationally and in the UK, but today, sadly, that consensus is gone.”

Despite this, Starmer affirmed Britain’s commitment, saying:

“My message is that the UK is all-in.”

UK Opts Out of Brazil’s $125 Billion Rainforest Fund

In a move that surprised many delegates, the UK decided not to participate in Brazil’s flagship $125 billion Tropical Forests Forever Facility, aimed at protecting global rainforests.
The decision frustrated the Brazilian hosts, who had hoped to raise $25 billion from developed nations.

Former UK Environment Minister Lord Zac Goldsmith expressed disappointment, saying the UK’s withdrawal “caused real frustration” in Brazil.

Rainforest Protection at the Heart of Climate Negotiations

Protecting the world’s tropical forests remains central to the COP30 negotiations.
Although rainforests cover only 6% of the Earth’s surface, they store billions of tonnes of carbon and are home to half of the planet’s species.

Prince William, addressing the summit, called the fund “a visionary step toward valuing nature’s role in climate stability.”
He urged leaders to act for future generations, saying:

“Let us be the generation that turned the tide—not for applause, but for the quiet gratitude of those yet to be born.”

Trump’s Continued Climate Denial Draws Global Ire

Earlier in September, President Trump called climate change “the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world.”
He argued that global climate initiatives unfairly burden industrialized nations.
His remarks drew backlash, reinforcing divisions ahead of COP30’s critical negotiations.

Global Disasters Highlight Urgency of Climate Action

The summit follows weeks of extreme weather across the world.
Hurricane Melissa, one of the strongest storms ever recorded in the Caribbean, killed more than 75 people.
A study by Imperial College London found that climate change intensified the hurricane’s rainfall by 16%.

COP30 Aims to Revive Climate Cooperation

Over the next two weeks, leaders will seek a new global deal to reduce carbon emissions and secure funding for climate-affected nations.
However, with major countries like the US, India, Russia, and China absent, hopes for a breakthrough remain uncertain.

Still, optimism persists. As Prince William said:

“Even in the face of daunting challenges, we have the ingenuity and determination to make a difference—and to do so now.”