Understand the proposal that could change Brazil’s capital at COP30

By Fabyo Cruz – From Cenarium

BELÉM (PA) – The hosting of the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém in November 2025 could bring a symbolic change to the city: temporarily making it the capital of Brazil. The proposal was presented by Deputy Duda Salabert (PDT-MG) and celebrated by the governor of Pará, Helder Barbalho (MDB-PA).

If approved by Congress and sanctioned by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the initiative would repeat a historical episode similar to ECO-92 in Rio de Janeiro. Lawyer and university professor in Manaus (AM), Helso Ribeiro, explains that the proposal has a symbolic character and aims to reinforce the importance of the Amazon in the global environmental agenda.

“It is normal for the governor of Pará to highlight this moment. COP30 will turn Belém into a global hub for environmental debates, just as happened in other host cities like Lima, Doha, and Marrakech,” says Ribeiro. According to him, the temporary transfer of the capital does not change the structure of the federal government but reinforces the country’s environmental commitment.

The presence of leaders from all three branches of government – including the President of the Republic, Supreme Court ministers, and congressional leaders – would help bring visibility to urgent environmental issues. During the conference, political decisions could be made in Belém, although any international treaty signed by Lula would still need to be ratified by Congress to take effect in Brazil.

Despite the enthusiasm for hosting COP30 in the Amazon, experts emphasize that the event alone will not solve Brazil’s environmental problems. Ribeiro recalls that the country has participated in every edition of the conference, yet issues such as deforestation and wildfires remain alarming.

“COP is a space for debate and raising awareness, but practical results depend on the commitment of governments. We hope Belém will be the stage for effective agreements to mitigate environmental crises,” he concludes.

Economy and Society

The arrival of international delegations, journalists, and authorities in Belém is expected to boost the local economy, particularly in the tourism, hospitality, and food sectors. International affairs specialist Lucas Moraes highlights that the financial movement could benefit both large chains and small businesses.

“The city will not only receive government representatives but also visitors interested in Pará’s culture. This could increase demand for transportation services, accommodations, and even street vendors, who see an opportunity to expand their profits,” he analyzes.

However, Moraes warns that social inequality may deepen. Belém faces severe infrastructure problems, such as the lack of sewage collection for more than half of the population and the presence of communities in vulnerable situations.

“The city suffers from environmental racism and socio-spatial inequality. Economic appreciation in certain sectors may exclude poorer populations, who will struggle to keep up with rising prices caused by high demand,” he points out.

Edited by Adrisa De Góes
Reviewed by Gustavo Gilona