The Amazonian Convergence: A Climate Summit's Journey to Belém
As the sun sets on the first day of a river journey from Santarém to Belém, passengers aboard the Karolina do Norte witness a mesmerizing sight. The creamy waters of the Amazon intertwine with the darker, pristine currents of the Xingu, mirroring the diverse group of travelers on this voyage.
Thais Santi, a public prosecutor from Altamira, reflects, "We're like the rivers meeting, each from different backgrounds, yet united for a common purpose." Santi is one of over a hundred participants, including Indigenous leaders, climate experts, artists, young activists, doctors, and environmental guardians.
On this boat, a unique community forms. Hammocks line the second deck, creating a cozy cocoon where most passengers sleep. By day, they engage in the 'forest university,' a vibrant program of discussions, music, and film screenings. Some even spot the elusive river dolphins, adding to the adventure.
This voyage, titled 'Resisting the End of the World,' is just one of several initiatives by civil society groups to make Cop30, the climate summit, a groundbreaking event.
Recent climate conferences have been criticized for their corporate influence and lack of tangible outcomes. Dubai and Azerbaijian's authoritarian regimes have restricted protests, while Brazil has emphasized the importance of civil society in pushing for more ambitious climate action.
The urgency is palpable. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has conceded that the world will likely fail to limit global heating to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels, urging delegates to act swiftly to prevent the Amazon's transformation into a savannah.
The voyage reveals the harsh reality of climate change. Indigenous villagers recount the worst drought in memory, which destroyed crops, dried up rivers, and left them stranded.
But here's where the journey gets politically turbulent: the US, under Donald Trump, has withdrawn from the Paris Agreement, Europe is divided, and China's emission targets fall short. These challenges cast a shadow over the summit's potential.
Accommodation shortages and inflated prices have forced official delegations to reduce their numbers. However, numerous non-governmental groups are taking to the rivers, using boats as both transport and lodging, ensuring their presence at the summit.
The Yaku Mama Flotilla, a 3,000km Indigenous-led expedition, sets sail from Ecuador, aiming to 'reverse the path of conquest.' The Answer Caravan, led by Indigenous leaders Rãoni Metuktire and Alessandra Korap Munduruku, will highlight the dangers of monocrops and destructive transport projects. Flotilla 4 Change sails across the Atlantic with a near-zero-carbon footprint, honoring earth defenders. The Laraçu Scientific River Caravan, a Franco-Brazilian collaboration, and Greenpeace's iconic Rainbow Warrior also join the fleet.
The call for climate action resonates globally. Youth activists, scientists, and campaigners rally, release studies, and emphasize that the vast majority of people demand more from their governments.
The journey is not without risks. Pirates and threats to land and environmental defenders loom. An activist, speaking anonymously, reveals, "I can't share my location on social media; there are those who'd send assassins." Despite this, the shared voyage fosters a powerful sense of unity.
Indigenous leader Juma Xipaia, whose story is documented with Leonardo Di Caprio's support, captures the essence: "Cop30 should be like this—a meeting of voices, where we truly listen and strengthen each other." This sentiment leaves us wondering: can the summit live up to this river journey's spirit of collaboration and urgency?
