Story By: Dennis Ato Keelson, Belem, Brasil, COP30
Thousands of protesters, including indigenous groups, activists, and Brazilian youth, marched through Belém, Brazil, demanding action on climate change and an end to fossil fuels. The demonstration, dubbed the “Great People’s March”, was the first major protest outside a UN climate summit since 2021.
Carrying giant coffins labeled Oil, Coal, and Gas, protesters chanted “free the Amazon” and waved signs reading “the answer is us”. Indigenous groups demanded land rights and an end to deforestation, while activists called for a transition to renewable energy.
The march coincided with the COP30 climate talks, where nearly 200 countries are meeting to address climate change. However, progress has been slow, with the US absent from negotiations and fossil fuel lobbyists dominating the agenda.
“We’re holding a funeral for fossil fuels,” said Tuga Cíntia, a protester from the Hydra Dance group. “Enough is enough with COP meetings and theory. It’s time to act.”
The protests highlight the urgent need for climate action, as the world is on track to exceed the 1.5C warming limit. Brazil’s President Lula da Silva has promised to deliver action, but critics say more is needed to address the climate crisis.
