Protesters Disrupt COP30 Climate Talks, Demand Urgent Action

On November 15, 2025, thousands of protesters gathered in Belem, Brazil to march near the COP30 climate talks, the halfway point of the annual United Nations climate negotiations. The demonstrators, representing a wide range of environmental and social movements, wore symbolic attire and carried flags and signs to put pressure on world leaders.

Hundreds wore red shirts, symbolizing the "blood of colleagues fighting to protect the environment." Others donned black dresses to signify a "funeral for fossil fuels." The protesters marched about 2.5 miles near the main venue for the talks, disrupting the proceedings earlier in the week. Two security guards suffered minor injuries during one of the disruptions.

The talks are focused on issues like the $300 billion in annual climate aid that rich countries agreed to provide to poorer nations. However, the absence of the United States, where President Trump has ridiculed climate change, is seen as a major setback. Former U.S. climate envoy Todd Stern said it's "a good thing" the U.S. is not sending representatives, as it would not be "constructive."

Despite the disruptions, organizers say the large turnout and open demonstration is a positive sign, as previous climate talks were held in more authoritarian countries. Protesters are demanding world leaders make "more humanized decisions" to address the worsening climate crisis.