The COP30 climate summit has officially commenced in Belém, Brazil, bringing together global leaders to address the pressing challenges of climate change. With a focus on lifting ambitions and delivering on climate promises, the conference occurs in a context of heightened urgency, as world leaders highlight the rising toll of global warming. Despite the significant stakes, attendance remains a concern, with leaders from the world’s largest polluters notably absent. The summit aims to navigate competing interests and aim for collective action, marking a pivotal moment ten years after the Paris Agreement. As discussions unfold, experts emphasize the need for greater finance and commitments to mitigate the impacts of climate change on vulnerable nations.