COP30 sessions halted after fire breaks out

Belém, Brazil.- A fire that broke out Thursday in the COP30 pavilion area forced the evacuation of multiple buildings and temporarily disrupted the United Nations climate negotiations, just two days before the conference was set to end. Authorities confirmed that no one was injured. The fire began in the section hosting side events, and although organizers later declared it under control, firefighters ordered a full evacuation to conduct safety inspections. It remains uncertain when activities will resume.

Viliami Vainga Tone, a delegate from Tonga, described how she was leaving a ministerial meeting when people began running and warning others about the fire. Security personnel from Brazil and the UN ushered attendees outside. Tone expressed frustration over the loss of valuable time at a summit where every minute counts but remained hopeful, noting that one full day of talks still lies ahead.

Earlier in the day, UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged countries to stay flexible and work toward a consensus, even if the final agreement is less ambitious than desired. He stressed that the world is watching and highlighted ongoing delays, reminding delegates that COP meetings often exceed their scheduled two weeks. Guterres underscored the urgency felt by communities facing floods, droughts, and climate-related disasters, saying they “have heard enough excuses and demand results.”