COP30 President Flags ‘Economic Denial’ as Major Obstacle to Climate Goals

Report by Safarti Tarjuman International Desk

The President of COP30, André Corrêa do Lago, has issued a critical warning ahead of the 2025 UN Climate Summit in Belém, Brazil, highlighting the rise of a new threat to climate progress: “economic denial.” This form of denial, unlike climate change skepticism, rejects the belief that shifting to a low-carbon economy is feasible or beneficial. Corrêa do Lago emphasized that this mindset is increasingly being used as an excuse to stall necessary climate policies and reforms.

Speaking in the lead-up to the summit, he stated that economic denial is fueled by populist narratives and entrenched business interests that resist systemic change. He stressed that while scientific consensus on climate change is overwhelming, the focus must now shift to countering economic misinformation that delays action. He called on global leaders to show that sustainability and economic growth are not mutually exclusive but can go hand-in-hand.

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Corrêa do Lago also acknowledged challenges posed by geopolitical shifts, particularly the reduced global climate leadership from the United States under President Donald Trump. He encouraged developing nations like Brazil, China, and India to take a stronger leadership role.

He urged nations to commit to real climate action and integrate environmental priorities into national economic policies. According to Corrêa do Lago, overcoming economic denial is essential to achieve climate targets and ensure a safer, greener future for the next generation.