COP30: Why we need to approach climate action with nature in mind

The viability of our collective future depends on us all using our power to ensure we change the trajectory we are on

The 30th UN climate conference takes place from November 6-21 in Belém, Brazil. It will bring together world leaders, scientists, non-governmental organizations, and civil society to discuss priority actions to tackle climate change. Picture: Carlos Fabal / AFP.

Wintery rains and windy gusts are characteristic of November, as bird song quietens and pollinators disappear from active service. What is a lot less normal, though, is the temperature. 

As I write, it’s a balmy 14°C outside. 2024 was the warmest year on record — the first calendar year  where global average temperatures exceeded 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, breaching the limits that were agreed by 196 countries at COP 21 in Paris, 10 years ago.