Sustainability Insight
COP30 in the Amazon – where we stand today
November 2025
Updates, progress, tensions and what comes next
COP30, hosted for the first time in history inside the Amazon, in Belém (Brazil) , has become a symbolic and strategic moment for global climate governance. It brought together nearly 200 countries, along with businesses, indigenous communities, local governments and NGOs, to discuss how the world will adapt to the accelerating climate crisis.
Although expectations were high, the outcomes were mixed: some tangible steps forward, but also major gaps in ambition, especially regarding the future of fossil fuels.
Why COP30 was different?
- First COP held in a rainforest region, highlighting the Amazon as a global climate regulator and home to 10% of the world’s biodiversity.
- Record participation of indigenous peoples and local communities.
- Focus on linking climate action with biodiversity, social inclusion and economic transition.
- Strong presence of private sector and subnational governments, signaling a shift towards multi-actor climate action.
Outcomes & key agreements
Despite political tensions, some important steps were taken:
- Global goal on adaptation
COP30 formally adopted 59 global indicators to monitor climate adaptation, resilience and vulnerability reduction, a crucial step toward structured climate action. - Stronger attention to biodiversity and nature
Nature-based solutions, forest protection and the Amazon’s ecological role were positioned at the center of the climate agenda. - Recognition of local & indigenous governance
The role of communities and indigenous peoples was reinforced as essential to climate governance and policy implementation. - Momentum for clean energy
While not as strong as expected, the final text encourages rapid expansion of renewables and energy efficiency, especially in vulnerable regions. - Growing relevance of the private sector
Businesses and investors are increasingly expected to measure and report climate risks, support adaptation and integrate ESG as part of core strategy.
What comes next: Post-COP30 outlook
The upcoming phase will focus on implementation rather than negotiation. Based on current signals, we can expect:
- Climate risk to become a standard project requirement
Sectors like tourism, real estate and infrastructure will need to demonstrate climate adaptation, resilience and ESG evidence in order to secure financing or approvals. - New opportunities in nature-based development
Bioeconomy, forest restoration, conservation projects and carbon markets may expand, especially in Amazon-adjacent regions. - More collaboration between public and private sectors
Local governments, companies, investors and communities will likely take the lead where national-level agreements fell short. - ESG reporting and certification to gain urgency
Regulators and investors are moving towards measurable criteria, declarations will not be enough. Evidence-based sustainability is becoming the new norm.
What this means for tourism & real estate
The implications for the sector are direct:
- Climate resilience will influence project feasibility.
- Certifications and ESG frameworks will shape investment decisions.
- Nature and local communities will be seen as strategic partners, not constraints.
- Green financing and incentive tools may favour sustainable developments.
- Sustainability will soon be a condition of legitimacy, not a choice
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