People from across the globe are making their way to Belem, Brazil — the gateway to the Amazon — to attend the 30th annual United Nations climate summit, known as COP30.

The conference aims to unite countries in their efforts to combat the harmful effects of climate change caused by human activity.

Experts warn that achieving this goal is becoming increasingly difficult, but the urgency remains clear. Climate change is already contributing to deadly natural disasters, and any further delay in action will only worsen the situation for billions worldwide.

Here’s a summary of what to expect from COP30.

Focus on Indigenous Communities, Forests, and Food Systems

With the Amazon rainforest nearby, Belem provides a powerful setting to emphasize the crucial role Indigenous communities and land conservation play in climate action.

While previous climate summits often centered around transitioning to cleaner energy, scientists highlight that changes in how we produce and consume food are equally important. In addition, halting the destruction of vital ecosystems is critical to controlling pollution and preventing disease.

Brazil’s government is launching the Tropical Forests Forever Facility — a financial incentive program for countries to preserve their forests. Whether or not this initiative garners enough international funding remains to be seen.

Logistical Struggles for Attendees

Before the summit began, there were concerns about Belem’s capacity to accommodate the large number of delegates. Some participants have resorted to staying on docked cruise ships, while others have found lodging in hourly motels. A few activists are even prepared to sleep in tents.

Ships are arriving to help house attendees at the Outeiro port in Belem, reflecting the demand for temporary accommodations.

The climate in the region is expected to be intensely hot and humid. To help attendees cope, officials have suggested a more relaxed dress code. However, locals and some experts see the challenging environment as a necessary exposure. Hosting COP30 in Belem draws attention to the fact that poorer communities are often the most affected by climate disasters.

A Decade After the Paris Agreement, Progress Is Mixed

Ten years ago, the world came together to sign the Paris Agreement — the first global plan to limit climate change.

In the years since, global average temperatures have risen by about 0.46 degrees Celsius (0.83 degrees Fahrenheit), marking one of the sharpest 10-year increases recorded. Though the goal of limiting the rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius remains, scientists now warn this is unlikely to be achieved.

Still, progress exists. Renewable energy sources are now cheaper than fossil fuels in many places. If all current national pledges are kept, they could prevent more than one degree of warming. While that may seem small, even fractions of a degree can make a significant difference in avoiding extreme weather.

This year, each country was expected to present updated national strategies to cut emissions. But some, like the U.S., will not be delivering a new plan, having previously departed from the Paris Agreement. Many proposals from other nations have also been criticized as insufficient.

No Major Agreement Expected — But That Doesn’t Mean It’s Unimportant

Unlike the momentous Paris Agreement or previous years where funding debates dominated, this year's summit isn’t anticipated to yield any groundbreaking new pact.

Instead, COP30 is being referred to as the “implementation COP,” focusing on putting existing plans into action rather than negotiating new ones.

“If you're coming to Belem looking for a big new deal, you're asking the wrong question,” said Christiana Figueres, a former top climate official with the United Nations.

For the talks to count as a success, governments must commit funds and resources to managing climate impacts and preventing further destruction of forests, according to Suely Vaz, a former head of Brazil's environmental authority.

However, some officials are skeptical. Panama’s environment minister, Juan Carlos Navarro, expressed doubts in the value of the event, criticizing it as an extravagant and unproductive gathering.