Delegates meet in Belem for COP30. The mood is quiet. Past meetings were different. Countries promised to stop using fossil fuels. This promise is changing now. It happened two years ago. Now, countries think again. Energy security is a worry. Also, reaching net-zero by 2050 is hard.
The United States left the Paris Agreement before. This affects the meeting. Some officials want slower goals. Global changes also make goals weaker. National energy plans show less ambition. They are moving from quick plans for fewer emissions.
Global energy demand is growing. It grows about 2% each year. So, countries need all energy. This includes fossil fuels, but managed well. This fact influences governments and companies. Businesses focus on energy security and cost. They know the change must not hurt the economy.
The main goal at COP30 will be to keep warming below 2°C. This is a new but important target. It is more real than the 1.5°C goal. The world will likely not meet net-zero by 2050. The focus is shifting. It is moving to being practical. This includes real political and economic facts.
Few big steps are expected at COP30. Fewer businesses are coming. The focus is now on strong energy systems. Without good energy systems, goals are at risk. A slower, more real path to less carbon is starting.