World leaders have criticized US President Donald Trump over his climate change stance at the COP30 summit in Belém, Brazil. President Trump chose not to attend the summit and has faced backlash, especially from the Colombian and Chilean leaders, who accused him of spreading misinformation about climate science. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also noted that international unity on climate action is fading, with consensus lost both globally and at home.
As negotiations begin for a new climate deal, aimed at boosting funding for forest protection, the absence of leaders from major countries—including India, Russia, the US, and China—has been notable. Even though President Trump is not present, his critical views on climate change are influencing discussions. At a recent UN meeting, he dismissed climate change as “the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world,” arguing that global efforts force successful industrial nations to endure unnecessary hardship.
Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, while refraining from naming Trump directly, warned of “extremist forces” spreading misinformation and risking future generations’ wellbeing. Meanwhile, Chile’s environment minister Maisa Rojas emphasized the importance of respecting scientific facts and avoiding falsehoods.
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