UPDATE: A fire at the COP30 UN climate summit in Belem, Brazil has forced the evacuation of attendees just two days before the conference is set to conclude. The blaze, reported earlier today, disrupted vital negotiations as officials rushed to ensure the safety of participants. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported.
The fire broke out in a pavilion area designated for side events, causing panic among delegates. Security personnel quickly directed attendees to evacuate the venue, leading to chaotic scenes as negotiators fled. Viliami Vainga Tone, a member of the Tonga delegation, described the moment as intense, with people shouting about the fire amidst the evacuation.
Fire officials confirmed the situation is under control, but the entire site has been evacuated for safety checks. It remains unclear when conference activities will resume, heightening concerns among negotiators who are racing against time to reach agreements.
Earlier today, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged countries to find common ground, stating, “We are down to the wire and the world is watching Belem.” He emphasized the need for “willingness and flexibility” from negotiators, especially after missing a self-imposed deadline earlier this week for key discussions.
As the fire incident unfolds, the urgency for actionable results grows. Guterres highlighted the plight of communities on the front lines of climate change, saying, “They’ve heard enough excuses and demand results.” As pressure mounts, the world watches closely to see if meaningful agreements can be achieved in the final hours of COP30.
Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops.
