Dr. Robin Tokmakian, of the League Observer Corps to the UN on Climate, held a presentation concerning the events of Conference of the Parties (COP)30 on Jan. 12, 2026. COP30 is an annual climate conference. It was hosted in Belém, Brazil from November 10 to November 21, in 2025. Under the UNFCCC, this event is presented annually, and the ultimate goal is the “stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system”.

Each year, the League of Women Voters sends observers to the COP, as there are often policymaking and funding mechanisms to be observed and reported on. The LWV is especially involved in the Environmental NGO constituency and the Women and Gender Constituency.

At the COP30 meeting, many important things came up. Starting with the positives, there was an advancement of the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG), which aims to mobilize at least US$300 billion annually by 2035 for developing countries, but to strive for US$1.3 trillion per year. Adaptation metrics were also developed to better assess progress in adapting to climate change, and the funding aims to increase to US$120 billion by 2035. Countries also submitted their latest NDCs, which is a Nationally Determined Contribution that is submitted every five years. 122 countries, out of 198 submitted their reports. There was also talk about funding for a Global Environmental Facility, the Green Climate Fund, the Adaptation Fund, and the Loss and Damage Fund. Notably, there were large protests from many Indigenous people from Brazil who were facing effects from climate change. As a result of these protests, many Indigenous people were allowed to voice their concerns and share their perspectives. Lastly, there was the creation of a new Gender Action Plan (GAP) to address women’s issues in climate and mitigation. This was a significant win for LWV, as this creates space for various committees to make sure women’s voices and concerns are heard, as women have often been excluded from the conversation concerning our climate.

However, there were some setbacks and little progress made in certain areas. The transition away from fossil fuels and deforestation was stalled, as there were disagreements and unresolved negotiations. There were also no discussions on unilateral trade measures, such as the European Union’s deforestation regulation. Other observers noted that some countries struggled to have their voices heard, as they were not recognized to speak during the sessions. Additionally, political tensions were highlighted as Ukraine complained that Russia included data from occupied parts of Ukraine in its greenhouse gas inventory. Lastly, there was some backlash concerning Oman, as they submitted a funding request from the green climate fund that was denied. Many accused them of being a wealthy country, and having the independent means to fund the project.

Several side events were also announced, such as the Tropical Forest Fund of $6.6 billion, with contributions split between Norway and Germany. Future Earth International released a new, peer reviewed report on the state of the climate, which was written by climate scientists. Finally, some of the overseers noted that the U.S. delegation at COP30 consisted largely of state and local jurisdiction positions, whereas before, there were higher-level federal officials and representatives from big companies.

Near the end of the Zoom meeting, Dr. Tokmakian was asked: What does the future entail? She started off by acknowledging that the progress has been very slow. Funding continues to be one of the biggest issues; if countries are willing to fund projects, things will start happening, but many countries do not have the means to. However, she reported that many unexpected countries have started stepping up, and those smaller countries are seeing more support. Dr. Tokmakian concluded by emphasizing how hard it is to stay positive, especially with all the news that is circulating and the political climate in the US, but to remind yourself that progress, even if it is a little at a time, is being made.

–Sophia Lara