At the No Kings gathering near the Capitol in Washington, D.C., Bernie Sanders proclaimed, “This is just the beginning. When we stand united, we will create the kind of nation that you and I know we can become—a nation devoted to freedom, justice, and democracy.” As Sanders spoke, I was reminded of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “Beyond Vietnam – A Time to Break Silence” speech. In it, he emphasized that “when machines and computers, profit motives, and property rights are considered more important than people, the triplets of racism, extreme materialism, and militarism are incapable of being conquered. A true revolution of values will soon lead us to question the fairness and justness of many of our past and present policies.”

These values are crucial to uphold at the 30th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), scheduled for Nov. 10 to 21 in Belém, Brazil. One area of focus is the establishment of a fair and just Loss and Damage Fund, which climate-vulnerable countries are advocating for to aid recovery from extreme climate events. 

However, will wealthier nations follow through on their financial obligations? Despite their small contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, small island nations are disproportionately impacted by climate change. Rising sea levels, intensified storms, and coastal erosion threaten their stability. Their existence, economies, freshwater supplies, and public health are at risk, necessitating financial support for climate adaptation and survival. It is estimated that at least $100 billion per year should be allocated for loss and damage by 2030, though even more may be required. The outcome of these discussions at COP 30 remains uncertain.

However, people across the world are making their voices heard ahead of the U.N. Climate Summit in Brazil (COP 30). From Sept. 15 to 21, over 600 actions took place in more than 85 countries, with thousands pouring into the streets to urge immediate action for the planet. Activists, including the Pacific Climate Warriors, called for drawing the line at 1.5 degrees. One young man expressed frustration, saying, “We lack water and electricity—that’s what we need. We want a democracy that is for the people, not for profit, not driven by greed. We want an end to corruption. No to austerity. We want housing. We want real renewable energy, and this is why we are here today.” Notably, 2024 marked the first full year in which the global average temperature was confirmed to be over 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. 

Following his second inauguration, President Trump informed the U.N. of his intention to withdraw the US from the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, with the withdrawal finalized by the U.N. in January 2026. However, the administration was still required to submit a national climate action plan aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing the risks and impacts of climate change to COP 30.

The Climate Action Tracker assessed the administration’s plan and downgraded the US rating from “insufficient” to “critically insufficient.” The report stated, “It is the most significant rollback of policies the project has ever analyzed,” according to lead author Hossfeld. “At a time when the U.S. is experiencing record climate impacts, from wildfires to floods and intense storms and tornadoes, our new U.S. assessment tells a troubling story of a government’s unconditional support for fossil fuels and its complete disregard for long-term climate consequences.”

In light of unchecked greenhouse gas emissions, 350.org calls for urgent action. They cite the 2025 Global Tipping Point Report by scientists, which warns that the world has crossed the first climate tipping point—the irreversible decline of coral reefs due to warming oceans and ocean acidification. Other critical case studies in the report address the Amazon rainforest, Atlantic Ocean circulation, and mountain glaciers.

Now is the time at COP 30 to draw a clear line for future generations and for the planet.

Join the Earth Democracy Committee to help develop materials for community education, organizing, and movement building on the Fossil Fuel Treaty, climate justice, women and peace, militarism, and the human right to water. To join, please email earthdemocracy@wilpfus.org.