On November 10-21, Brazil (Belém) hosted the biggest climate event of the year—the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30). Representatives from nearly 200 countries (government officials, scientists, business leaders, and the public) looked for solutions that would help keep global warming below 1.5°C, in line with the Paris Climate Agreement.
Ukraine presented its updated climate commitments at the negotiations and called for compensation for climate damage caused by the war. The work of the Ecoclub focused on the need to adapt to climate change and develop climate solutions in communities, especially in wartime conditions.
What was discussed at COP30?
Among the most important topics of discussion at COP30 were:
- the presentation of new commitments by countries and large industrial companies to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change;
- the phasing out of fossil fuels, the decarbonization of heavy industry, and the increase in renewable energy sources instead;
- attracting and fairly distributing climate finance ($300 billion per year by 2035 from governmental and private sources);
- preservation of natural ecosystems, particularly tropical forests;
- renewed focus on the social dimension of climate action, with a human-centered approach to decision-making and the involvement and participation of those most affected.
What Ukraine wanted to achieve at COP30
During the negotiations, representatives of Ukraine and the Ukrainian public focused on three key objectives:
- the adoption of the second Nationally Determined Contribution, which set a target of reducing emissions by more than 65% by 2035;
- submission of the Biennial Transparency Report under the Paris Agreement;
- presentation of the Long-Term Low-Carbon Development Strategy at the conference (this document will be officially adopted in the near future and will serve as a roadmap for green transition and recovery in Ukraine).
At COP30, Ukraine focused on the fact that Ukraine is not just about war. It is about decisions, resilience, and development even now.
“Our thorough documentation of carbon emissions resulting from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will form the basis for Ukraine’s claim for compensation. The mechanism for this is established by international law, and once the claim is filed, Ukraine will become the first country to hold another country accountable for greenhouse gas emissions resulting from war,” said IGGAW lead author Lennard de Klerk.
More information on compensation for climate damage is available here.
What Ecoclub brought to COP30
The Ecoclub NGO team was present at the Ukrainian exhibition pavilion, where it joined discussions on the role of communities in recovery and energy transition. We presented the experience of Ukrainian communities that are not waiting for the “post-victory” period, but are already strengthening their energy and water infrastructure while achieving climate goals, using the following examples:
- Solar solutions for critical infrastructure (Solar Aid for Ukraine).
- All-Ukrainian competition for adaptation solutions Adapterra UA, as an example of effective partnerships between local governments, businesses, and civil society organizations.
- Systemic support for municipalities: access to financing, capacity building, sustainable approaches to energy management.
“Communities are not waiting. They are already taking action today – under fire, with limited resources, but with enormous motivation. Their decisions shape Ukraine’s image on the international stage as an example of resilience and responsibility for people and the environment. Decentralization gives communities real opportunities for local climate leadership, but practical implementation is often limited by a lack of technical expertise, funding, and personnel on the ground. Therefore, it is crucial that any support for communities includes the capabilities of local experts and has a well-established mechanism for direct funding. And thanks to our partnership with the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung, we are already working in this direction,” says Olena Kondratyuk, manager of the Ecoclub.
War as a factor in climate risks
The Ecoclub members highlighted one of the key themes discussed in the Ukrainian pavilion: war accelerates climate threats.
Communities face:
- water shortages and the destruction (or devastation) of ecosystems;
- damage to infrastructure;
- rising temperatures and risks to human health;
- emissions from destruction, fires, and large amounts of fuel burned in the combat zone.
“That is why Ukraine needs to invest in sustainability—not after, but during the war. Ukrainian communities need accessible financial instruments to have real opportunities to implement energy-efficient and sustainable projects. Together with A NEW LIFE, we are working to find and implement affordable financial instruments that will enable communities to develop renewable energy and adaptation solutions right now. We also discussed these opportunities and initial developments during our meetings,” says Yaroslava Denisova, project coordinator at Ecoclub.
COP30 conclusions for Ukraine and Ecoclub
1. Ukraine presented itself to the world as a country of climate solutions during wartime, not just during a crisis. Although our national climate commitments are not as ambitious as expected, they include proposals from the public, as well as plans to update the climate change adaptation strategy with priorities already defined in it.
2. Support for local and community initiatives is very important. They must be key drivers of the energy transition and climate change adaptation
3. The text approved at COP30 calls for the creation of at least $1.3 trillion per year in funding by 2035 to fight climate change, as well as a tripling of funding for adaptation measures. It also launches two major initiatives to help countries implement their national climate action plans and, for the first time, recognizes the need to combat climate misinformation and promises to promote information integrity.
4. The topic of a just transition was also raised. This is a relevant topic for Ukraine, because without taking people into account, the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy and energy efficiency leads to increased inequality and resistance to reform. Climate goals need to be combined with social protection, job creation, and community support, especially during recovery.
5. Renewable energy, local adaptation plans, and decentralization are real tools that are already strengthening resilience today. That is why Ecoclub works with communities, helping them not only to implement RES projects, but also educating, advising, and supporting adaptation initiatives.
6. Partnerships between local governments, civil society organizations, and businesses are the foundation of sustainable recovery.
The content of this material is the sole responsibility of the NGO Ecoclub and does not necessarily reflect the views of partners or donors.