Lula urges rich nations to honor climate finance at COP31, warns environment slipping down global agenda

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva urged wealthy nations to honor climate financing commitments at the COP31 leaders' summit in Antalya, Turkey, warning that environmental issues are losing global prominence amid conflicts and economic pressures. Lula argued that developed countries prospered at the planet's expense and must fulfill promises to fund preservation efforts. He outlined five priorities, including securing $1.3 trillion in annual climate finance, transitioning from fossil fuels, and reducing deforestation and emissions. The president also linked Brazil's recent election results to sustainability, saying voters chose a national project with environmental protection as a core pillar. He cited Brazil's 71% reduction in Amazon deforestation between 2022 and 2026.