Lula at COP31: Rich nations developed at planet's expense and must honor climate commitments

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva demanded at COP31 in Turkey that wealthy nations fulfill their climate commitments, stating they developed "at the planet's expense." Lula criticized the disappearance of environmental issues from global agendas amid wars and trade disputes, urging that "sabotaging the climate regime is destroying the best of the multilateral system." He defended differentiated responsibilities and called for more resources for Africa. The speech was Lula's first international address since his October re-election. He also highlighted the legacy of Brazil's COP30 in Belém and noted the conference's unprecedented shared presidency between Turkey and Australia.