A fire broke out in Belem, Brazil, disrupting the annual climate negotiations at the UN COP30 conference.
According to AP, several buildings were evacuated, resulting in delays in the talks. Thirteen individuals suffered from smoke inhalation.
The blaze occurred in the pavilion area where parallel events of the conference were held and was quickly contained.
The incident happened while COP30 leadership was working on a final document concerning four contentious issues related to financing, fossil fuel emissions reductions, and trade.
Leaders hoped to finalize this package by Wednesday, when Brazilian President Lula da Silva and UN Secretary-General António Guterres arrived in Belem, but no agreement was reached due to differing national approaches to the topics.
Guterres urged countries to compromise to "demonstrate readiness and flexibility to achieve results," even if they do not meet the strictest requirements of some nations. "We are approaching a critical moment, and the world is watching Belem," he stated.
The Secretary-General also called on wealthier nations to increase financial assistance to poorer states for climate change adaptation from $40 billion to $120 billion per year.
Overall, the negotiations focus on four key issues: total financial aid for poor countries amounting to $300 billion annually, strengthening national climate plans, reducing trade barriers, and enhancing transparency and accountability regarding progress.
The COP30 proceedings may extend beyond the planned two weeks due to these delays.
The UN climate conference (COP30) in Belem is scheduled to continue until November 21, 2025. This year, the United States did not send any high-ranking officials to the conference.